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SOME THEORETICAL BASES FOR SELECTION OF MOLECULAR ION PROPELLANTS AND A SURVEY OF MOLECULAR PLASMA COLLISION PROCESSES

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4114760
The arrangement of electronic and vibrational energy states in diatomic and polyatomic molecules is described as a background for discussing dissociation by impact. The behavior of polyatomic systems under electron impact in the bombardment thrustor is explained in terms of the chemical-bonding characteristics of various classes of molecules. Fragmentation is a consequence of electronmolecule collisions and is discussed with methods for calculating ionization cross sections. Secondary discharge processes affect the composition of the ion beam; their relative rates are estimated. Approaches to griding selection of suitable molecular propellants are outlined. A useful quantum- mechanical method for predicting stability of presently unavailable compounds is explained, and fundamental experiments are suggested. 42 references. (auth)
Research Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Lewis Research Center, Cleveland
NSA Number:
NSA-18-012284
OSTI ID:
4114760
Report Number(s):
NASA-TN-D-1185
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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