Ground Cloud Dispersion Measurements During the Titan IV Mission Number K16 (24 April 1996) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Volume 2 - Further Analysis of Quantitative Imagery and of Aircraft HCl Data
Abstract
A previous report presented an overview and data summary for ground cloud dispersion measurements during the Titan IV mission #K16 launch from CCAFS on 24 April 1996. That report documented the instrumentation, methods of analysis, and preliminary results for the program. The preliminary results included the following: (1) the imagery-derived cloud speed, direction, and position for the first 6 min after launch; (2) summary plots of the aircraft-derived HCl data for the first 88 min after launch; and (3) comparison of imagery-derived, aircraft-derived, rawinsonde-derived data to REEDM version 7.07 predictions. This second report provides a detailed comparison of the imagery-derived extent of the ground cloud to simultaneous aircraft sampling data. The combined data provides a three-dimensional perspective of the exhaust cloud during the first 6 min after launch. In addition, this report includes a more detailed graphing and analysis of the aircraft's HCl measurements. The #K16 imagery and aircraft data documented substantial differences between measured and T-0.7 h REEDM version 7.07 predictions. According to the quantitative visible imagery from UCS-7 and Press sites, the cloud took 3.5 min to stabilize (20% faster than predicted), stabilized at 1023 m in altitude (35% higher than predicted), moved in a south-southwesterly direction (versus the east-southeasterly prediction), and moved at an average speed of 3.6 m/s (38% slower than predicted). Comparison of the aircraft's HCl measurements to the visible extent of the cloud revealed consistent edge detection by both methods. The aircraft's HCl measurements also confirmed the imagery-derived bearing for the lower lobe of the ground cloud and were consistent with the observed high-altitude wind shear to the east.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA377804
Entities
People
- K. L. Foster
- R. N. Abernathy
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation