Reaction Dynamics Relevant to Spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit
Abstract
The key goal of the project (to improve our understanding of fundamental gas-surface and gas-phase reaction/interaction dynamics that relate directly to orbital and sub-orbital spacecraft or missile missions of direct relevance to the U.S. Air Force) was fulfilled. However, the details of the work performed differed from those proposed. Scientific curiosity, experimental opportunities, and discussions with the Program Manager (Dr. Michael Berman) led to a modification of some of the detailed objectives of this project. Seminal data were obtained on the hyperthermal reactions of ground-state O(3P) with H2, D2, and small hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, and propane). The hyperthermal atomic oxygen source was confirmed to contain atomic oxygen in its ground O(3P) state by a combination experiment/theory study of the reaction, O+H2->OH+H, where Prof. George Schatz of Northwestern University conducted the theoretical calculations. A similar study on the reaction of the hyperthermal beam with CH4 showed that the molecular oxygen component of the beam is in its ground state.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 29, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426792
Entities
People
- Timothy K. Minton
Organizations
- Montana State University