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Electron-impact vibrational excitation rates in the flow field of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehiclesThis paper examines the vibrational excitation rate processes expected in the flow field of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles (AOTVs). An analysis of the multiple-quantum vibrational excitation processes by electron impact is made to predict the vibrational excitation cross sections, rate coefficients, and relaxation times which control vibrational temperature. The expression for the rate of electron-vibration energy transfer is derived by solving the system of master equations which account for the multiple-level transitions. The vibrational excitation coefficients, which are the prerequisite physical quantities in solving the obtained vibrational equation, are calculated based on the theoretically predicted cross sections. These cross sections are obtained from quantum mechanical calculations, based on the concept that vibrational excitation of molecules by electron impact occurs through formation of an intermediate negative ion state. Finally, the modified Landau-Teller-type rate equation, which is suitable for the numerical calculations for the AOTV flow fields, is suggested.
Document ID
19850056797
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Lee, J.-H.
(NASA Ames Research Center Computational Chemistry and Aerothermodynamics Branch, Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1985
Subject Category
Atomic And Molecular Physics
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 85-1035
Accession Number
85A38948
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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