Application of the Saha Equation to High Temperature (> or = 6000K) Rocket Exhaust

Abstract

Using the Saha equations and spectroscopic constants, the computer program in this report calculates the species populations of diatomic molecules, neutrals, ions, and electrons in a plasma. The code considers the equilibrium of a two-element, chemically reacting plasma, by calculating the partition function for each species. By rederiving theoretically, as the JANAF tables do, the thermodynamic properties of a rocket propellant, but using extended excitation levels, the program can estimate (above 6000 K) performance of advanced propulsion concepts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA261648

Entities

People

  • Robert T. Nachtrieb

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Atoms
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Chemical Composition
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Diatomic Molecules
  • Electrons
  • Elements
  • Energy Levels
  • Equations
  • High Temperature
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Rocket Propellants
  • Thermodynamic Properties

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics