A Monte Carlo Description of the Sampling of Stratospheric Ion Clusters via a Mass Spectrometer.
Abstract
A detailed Monte Carlo simulation of the flow within an ion sampling mass spectrometer is described. The simulation includes effects of non equilibrium flow and acceleration due to electric fields. A scheme for proton hydrate reactions is presented, including estimations of rate constants for agglomeration of H20 onto positive ion clusters and lifetimes of the resulting complex. Complexes can be collisionally excited or stabilized within the model. Test calculations are performed for altitudes of 30 and 38 km. No significant effect of agglomeration of H20 onto ion clusters was predicted in either case, but collisional excitation and subsequent dissociation of clusters was found to be a potentially severe problem. Keywords: Ion clustering; Stratosphere; Mass spectrometer; Water vapor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA168523
Entities
People
- James B. Elgin
- James W. Duff