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Title: SHARC (Strategic High-Altitude Radiance Code). A computer model for calculating atmospheric radiation under non-equilibrium conditions

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5747260

The Strategic High-Altitude Radiance Code (SHARC ) is a new computer code that calculates atmospheric radiation for paths from 60 to 300 km altitude in the 2-40 micro spectral region. It models radiation due to NLTE (Non-Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium) molecular emissions which are the dominant sources at these altitudes. The initial version of SHARC, which is described in this paper, includes the five strongest IR radiators, CO/sub 2/, NO, O/sub 3/, H/sub 2/O and CO. Calculation of excited state populations is accomplished by interfacing a Monte Carlo model for radiative excitation and energy transfer with a highly flexible chemical kinetics module derived from the Sandia CHEMKIN Code. An equivalent-width, line-by-line approach for the radiation transport gives a spectral resolution of about 0.50/cm. The radiative-transport calculation includes the effects of combined Doppler-Lorentz (Voigt) line shapes. Particular emphasis was placed on modular construction and supporting data files so that models and model parameters can be modified or upgraded as additional data become available. The initial version of SHARC is now ready for distribution.

Research Organization:
Air Force Geophysics Lab., Hanscom AFB, MA (USA)
OSTI ID:
5747260
Report Number(s):
AD-A-206236/2/XAB; AFGL-TR-89-0083
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English