Chlorine and oxides of nitrogen (NO(x)) released into the atmosphere contribute to acid rain (ground level or low-altitude sources) and ozone depletion from the stratosphere (high-altitude sources). Rocket engines have the potential for forming or activating these pollutants in the rocket plume. For instance, H2/O2 rockets can produce thermal NO(x) in their plumes. Emphasis, in the past, has been placed on determining the impact of chlorine release on the stratosphere. To date, very little, if any, information is available to understand what contribution NO(x) emissions from ground-based engine testing and actual rocket launches have on the atmosphere. The goal of this work is to estimate the afterburning emissions from chemical rocket plumes and determine their local stratospheric impact. Our study focuses on the space shuttle rocket motors, which include both the solid rocket boosters (SRB's) and the liquid propellant main engines (SSME's). Rocket plume afterburning is modeled employing a one-dimensional model incorporating two chemical kinetic systems: chemical and thermal equilibria with overlayed nitric oxide chemical kinetics (semi equilibrium) and full finite-rate chemical kinetics. Additionally, the local atmospheric impact immediately following a launch is modeled as the emissions diffuse and chemically react in the stratosphere.


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    Title :

    Active chlorine and nitric oxide formation from chemical rocket plume afterburning


    Contributors:
    Leone, D. M. (author) / Turns, S. R. (author)

    Publication date :

    1994-01-01


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Active Chlorine and Nitric Oxide Formation from Chemical Rocket Plume Afterburning

    Leone, D. M. / Turns, S. R. / AIAA | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994




    Active Chlorine and Nitric Oxide Formation From Chemical Rocket Plume Afterburning

    Leone, D. M. / Turns, S. R. / AIAA | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994


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