Infrared Spectroscopy of 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, constructed, and successftilly flown the hypervelocity shockwave experiment that has come to be known as "DEBI". The flight instrumentation originally proposed made some evolutionary changes as a result of new thoughts on the spectral regions to emphasize, detector developments, and background suppression techniques that greatly improved the infrared measurements. The flight was a complete success, with the launch vehicle and all instruments working perfectly.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA422969
Entities
People
- Peter Erdman