Ground-Based Characterization of High Altitude Plume Signature Phenomenology to Advance the Capabilities of SOCRATES-P

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to utilize a ground-based simulation facility based upon its patented FAST technology to obtain critical data necessary to validate and extend the capabilities of the MDA’s high altitude plume code, SOCRATES-P, to model plume signatures with high fidelity. In Phase I PSI demonstrated the model validation approach by measuring the velocity dependent cross section of a key plume-atmosphere reaction. The cross section results are being used in collaboration with computational chemistry results from Spectral Sciences Inc. (SSI) to critically assess corresponding values in the current SOCRATES-P database. For Phase II, PSI plans to implement Phase I designs of pulsed sources of vibrationally excited reactants to provide the new capability to simulate the hyperthermal interaction of the significant concentration of vibrationally excited species in propulsion system plumes with atmospheric O/N2. Product emission from up to six plume-atmosphere reactions selected with input from MDA will be characterized with 15 cm-1 spectral resolution and resulting velocity dependent cross sections will be used to assess and ultimately validate/update the SOCRATES-P database. The successful Phase II program will enhance the capabilities of a premier, state-of-the-art test facility that will remain available to MDA to validate future enhancements to SOCRATES-P. Approved for Public Release | 18-MDA-9522 (23 Feb 18)