Droplet shattering, vaporization and recondensation in cloud clearing with long pulse infrared chemical lasers

Conference · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6993456

Caramana, E J; Kindel, J L; Morse, R L; Quigley, G P; Webster, R B; York, G W

Results of experimental attempts to produce an optically clear channel in a water cloud by evaporating the cloud droplets with a CO{sub 2} laser are presented. Using scattered light it is possible to visualize the clear channel produced. Measurements of the fraction of power transmitted through the channel at visible wavelengths give insight into the clearing mechanisms. The present data suggest that the water droplets explode in the process of clearing. A theoretical explanation of why this should occur is presented and predictions of the onset of droplet explosions are made. 4 refs., 5 figs.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOD; DOE/DP
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 6993456
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-90-1275; CONF-900189-1; ON: DE90010584
• Resource Relation: Conference: 1989/90 conference on cloud impacts on DOD operations and systems, Monterey, CA (USA), Jan 1990
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CLOUDS
EVAPORATION
DROPLETS
CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
LASER RADIATION
TURBIDITY
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GAS LASERS
LASERS
PARTICLES
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
RADIATIONS
656003* - Condensed Matter Physics- Interactions between Beams & Condensed Matter- (1987-)
450500 - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense- Strategic Defense Initiative- (1990-)
540110