Flight measurements of low-velocity bow shock ultraviolet radiation

P. W. Erdman, E. C. Zipf, P. J. Espy, Carl Howlett, Deborah A. Levin, Richard T. Loda, Robert J. Collins, Graham V. Candler

Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer · 1993 · 56 citations · 5 references

Concepts

Abstract

The ultraviolet spectrum, atomic oxygen 130.4-nm radiation intensity, total plasma density, and electron temperature of a Mach 12 bow shock were obtained by a sounding rocket experiment launched from the Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) on April 25, 1990 at 12:32 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). A two-stage, Terrier Malamute rocket which attained an apogee of 720 km was used in this experiment. Optical data in the 200400-nm wavelength range were obtained from 37 to 75 km at a vehicle velocity of 3.5 km/s at various locations on the 0.1016-m radius hemispherical dome. Electron probe and VUV OI 130.4-nm measurements were obtained near nose cone ejection at 37 km. This article presents a discussion of the instruments used and the key data obtained.

References

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