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Surface chloride salt formation on Space Shuttle exhaust aluminaAluminum oxide samples from the exhaust of Space Shuttle launches STS-1, STS-4, STS-5, and STS-6 were collected from surfaces on or around the launch pad complex and chemically analyzed. The results indicate that the particulate solid-propellant rocket motor (SRM) alumina was heavily chlorided. Concentrations of water-soluble aluminum (III) ion were large, suggesting that the surface of the SRM alumina particles was rendered soluble by prior reactions with HCl and H2O in the SRM exhaust cloud. These results suggest that Space Shuttle exhaust alumina particles are good sites for nucleation and condensation of atmospheric water. Laboratory experiments conducted at 220 C suggest that partial surface chloriding of alumina may occur in hot Space Shuttle exhaust plumes.
Document ID
19840048741
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Cofer, W. R., III
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Pellett, G. L.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Sebacher, D. I.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Wakelyn, N. T.
(NASA Langley Research Center Atmospheric Sciences Div., Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
April 20, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 89
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Accession Number
84A31528
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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