Infrared Spectroscopy of a Hyper-Velocity Shock
Abstract
We have continued the investigation of hypervelocity shocks that began with the highly successful Bowshock I and II atmospheric sounding rocket experiments. Instruments aboard those vehicles performed measurements of the ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet emission excited in the high temperature gas produced by the shock ahead of the hypervelocity body. We have developed the experimental techniques and the instruments necessary to expand those earlier experiments into the infrared portion of the spectrum where ground-state, molecular, ro-vibrational emission can be observed as the most direct measure of shock temperatures. With this project's support, we have defined, designed and nearly completed the construction of the hypervelocity shockwave experiment that has come to be known as 'DEBI'. The flight instrumentation originally proposed has made some evolutionary changes as a result of new thoughts on the spectral regions to emphasize, detector developments, and background suppression techniques that should greatly improve the infrared measurements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 03, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA390024
Entities
People
- Peter Erdman