U.S. Air Force Approach To Plume Contamination

Ronald P. Furstenau; T.Dwayne McCay; David M. Mann

doi:10.1117/12.958447

5 August 1980 U.S. Air Force Approach To Plume Contamination

Ronald P. Furstenau, T.Dwayne McCay, David M. Mann

Proceedings Volume 0216, Optics in Adverse Environments II; (1980) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.958447
Event: 1980 Los Angeles Technical Symposium, 1980, Los Angeles, United States

Abstract

Exhaust products from rocket engine firings can produce undesirable effects on sensitive satellite surfaces, such as optical systems, solar cells, and thermal control surfaces. The Air Force has an objective of minimizing the effect of rocket plume contamination on space-craft mission effectiveness. Plume contamination can result from solid rocket motors, liquid propellant engines, and electric thrusters. To solve the plume contamination problem, the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (AFRPL) has developed a plume contamination computer model which predicts the production, transport, and deposition of rocket exhaust products. In addition, an experimental data base is being obtained through ground-based vacuum chamber experiments and in-flight measurements with which to compare the analytical results. Finally, the experimental data is being used to verify and improve the analytical model. The plume contamination model, known as CONTAM, has been used to make contamination predictions for various engines. The experimental programs have yielded quantitative data, such as species concentrations and temperatures, in all regions of the plume. The result of the modelling and experimental programs will ultimately be computer models which can be used by the satellite designer to analyze and to minimize the effect plume contamination will have on a particular spacecraft system.

Citation Download Citation

Ronald P. Furstenau, T.Dwayne McCay, and David M. Mann "U.S. Air Force Approach To Plume Contamination", Proc. SPIE 0216, Optics in Adverse Environments II, (5 August 1980); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.958447

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