Surface Reactions in the Space Environment
Abstract
A central goal has been to establish a multidisciplinary Center of Excellence concentrating on the atomic-scale dynamics of surface reactions in the space environment. The major research focus has been the investigation of the ways in which energy deposited by incident atoms, ions, electrons and short wavelength photons is absorbed and localized to produce bond-making and bond- breaking on surfaces and in the near-surface bulk. Knowledge of these microscopic mechanisms provides detailed clues which lead to an understanding of the macroscopic processes which manifest themselves as surface erosion, modification and damage. This research program bears directly on a broad spectrum of questions germane to the long-term operation of platforms in space, including long-term structural, optical and electronic degradation of materials in the ambient near-earth environment, survivability under and hardening against irradiation from directed-energy weapons, vulnerability in disturbed nuclear atmospheres, and discrimination and sensing techniques based on characteristic radiation (glow) signatures. Significant, and in some cases, startling progress has been made in carrying out the research goals of this effort.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 03, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA221767
Entities
People
- Norman H. Tolk
- Richard F. Haglund
Organizations
- Vanderbilt University