Kinetic Branching of the N* + O2 Reaction
Abstract
A study of the atmospheric reactions oxygen + nitrogen and N + O2 which yield vibrationally excited NO molecules has been initiated. The sources of NO emission in the IR are not fully understood and the detailed kinetic branching of these reactions is being studied. In particular, the role of the reaction in the production of vibrationally excited NO molecules is being examined. The current NORSE code assumes that all of the exothermicity of this reaction goes into vibrational excitation of the NO product molecule, with all levels being equally populated up to v = 26. The purpose of this report is to examine in detail the kinetic routes of the N + O2 reaction, including those which lead to electronic as well as vibrationally excited products. A preliminary ab initio study of the reaction has been carried out which suggests that only a fraction of the collisions result in vibrational excitation in the product channels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA229999
Entities
People
- H. H. Michels
Organizations
- United Technologies Corporation