Influence of Collision Cross-Sections for Electrons, Atoms and Molecules on Rocket Exhausts and Metastable Propellants

摘要

The research discussed was directed toward the analysis of collisional processes involving electrons, ions, and neutral particles. Collisional processes have long been recognized as being of substantial interest as basic physical processes and in a number of engineering applications, particularly in the fields of propulsion and power generation. Experimental data currently available at thermal energies is limited and difficulties are frequently encountered in making exact measurements. Therefore, a theoretical approach to predict kinetic cross-sections is desirable. Research was performed in the areas of elastic scattering, inelastic scattering and atomic collisions. A chronological list is provided of the 11 publications and 25 verbal presentations resulting from the program. (Author)