Thermal Dissociation of Diatomic Molecules,
Abstract
A discrete collisional theory of dissociation under equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions using a quantum kinetic approach to molecular energy transfer was investigated. The kinetic equations for molecular dissociation in a pure diatomic gas and diatomic gases in the presence of an inert diluent were formulated and solved. The incubation time was calculated and exhibited good agreement with experimental measurements. An analytic steady state form for the vibrational population and dissociation rate was developed which agreed with the time-dependent calculations. It was determined that rotational states play a significant role in the dissociation process and that the standard ladder model is inadequate. When rotational effects are properly included in the analysis, good agreement with experimental data is obtained. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADP000343
Entities
People
- A. Garscadden
- W. F. Bailey
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory