Shock-Tube Determination of Dissociation Rates of Oxygen

Author

John P. Rink

Publication Date

5-26-1961

Abstract

This study has a two-fold purpose--to demonstrate the feasibility of using x-ray densitometry of shock waves to determine chemical reaction rates and to obtain an accurate, independent measurement of the dissociation rate of oxygen.

The rate of dissociation of oxygen in Xe-O₂ mixtures was measured over a temperature range of 3000°K to 6000°K. An x-ray densitometer was used to measure the density during the dissociation process behind a shock wave. It was possible to match the experimental data with theoretical density profiles over a wide range of compositions and initial conditions.

The agreement between results reported here and previous work demonstrates the potential utility of this method for kinetic studies of other reactions.

Degree Name

Physics

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Physics & Astronomy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Russell E. Duff

Second Committee Member

Walter M. Tesanov

Third Committee Member

Donald E. Skabelund

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Recommended Citation

Rink, John P.. "Shock-Tube Determination of Dissociation Rates of Oxygen." (1961). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/phyc_etds/156