The Spectroscopy of Hydrogen/Metal-Vapor Mixtures at High Temperatures and Pressures.
Abstract
A review of the solar plasma propulsion concept and the basic principles of volumetric absorption of solar energy by hydrogen gas that is seeded with alkali metal vapor are presented. An experimental approach is described that features production of a novel plasma spectroscopy cell, PSC, to duplicate conditions in solar plasma thruster, particularly local chemical equilibrium. The PSC, to duplicate conditions in a solar plasma thruster, particularly local chemical equilibrium. The PSC is a new scientific instrument that provides good optical access to a hot zone capable of reaching extremes of temperature and pressure approaching 3000 K and 100-atmospheres. Thus, the mixing of alkali metal vapor and hydrogen gas may be observed, and experimental determination of the spectroscopy of these mixtures may be accomplished under heretofore unattained extremes of temperature and pressure. Analysis of heat transfer and gas flowfields in the PSC is carried out. The kinetics and thermodynamics of dilute mixtures of lithium in hydrogen are analyzed to estimate the densities of various neutral and positively charged LiXHy species to be expected in the PSC. Solar plasma propulsion, Lithium hydrides, Alkali metal vapor, Spectroscopy, High temperature, High pressure apparatus. (mjm)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADB132214
Entities
People
- C. W. Larsen
Organizations
- University of Dayton