Ground Cloud Dispersion Measurements During the Titan IV Mission A-18 (23 October 1997) at Vandenberg Air Force Base
Abstract
This report presents plume imagery documenting the development and dispersion of the Titan IV A-18 launch ground cloud at Vandenberg AFB at 1932 PDT on 23 October 1997. Also presented are pertinent meteorological data from towers, Doppler radar, and rawinsonde balloons. IR cameras at three locations tracked the trajectory of the launch cloud for 1.25 to 4.5 min after launch. Meteorological data were collected to improve understanding of cloud dispersion and provide inputs during model simulations/evaluations. These data and similar data on other Titan IV launches will be used to determine the accuracy of atmospheric dispersion models such as REEDM (Rocket Exhaust Effluent Diffusion Model) in predicting toxic hazard corridors at the USAF Ranges. Imagery showed that the bottom edge of the launch cloud stabilized at 197m AGL by 3.5 min after launch, versus a predicted 250m AGL. The air entrainment coefficient was 0.39, smaller than the 0.64 default used in REEDM. Two HCl detectors were placed on a ridge at 170 deg azimuth from the pad, in an early predicted path of the cloud. However, the REEDM predicted a track to the east, which was realized. It therefore did not pass over the detectors, and no HCl was detected.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 20, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA364090
Entities
Organizations
- Space Systems Command