Determination of the Amount of Energy Radiated in the Visible Region by an Illuminating Flare Flame
Abstract
The objective is to determine the absolute spectral energy radiated in the visible region by a Mk 24 illuminating flare. A spectrum of the flame in the visible region is obtained with a scanning spectrometer. The integrated visible energy radiated by a flare as measured value of 2510 kcal which is about 11 percent of the energy of the flare reaction. Important components of the radiation from a magnesium-sodium nitrate flare are presented along with a description of excitation processes which may be present. The processes include chemical excitation of the sodium atoms, thermal excitation of the sodium atoms, and thermal excitation of other substances. It is concluded that thermal radiation by sodium is more probably the major component of the visible energy than chemiluminescene. A calculated 17 percent of the total radiated energy is found in the visible. This is compared to 10.8 percent of its total that a blackbody at 3000 deg K can radiate in the visible. These comparisons are made to show that the spectral emissivity of the flare in the visible region is generally greater than elsewhere. The practical importance of selective emitters is discussed in relation to possible improvement of the light output. Originator furnished keywords include: Pyrotechnics, Illuminating flares, Illuminating flames.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 24, 1967
- Accession Number
- ADA953986
Entities
People
- B. E. Douda