Molecular Physics of Elementary Processes Relevant to Hypersonics: Electron-Molecule Collisions

Molecular Physics of Elementary Processes Relevant to Hypersonics: Atom-Molecule, Molecule-Molecule and Atoms-Surface Processes

In the present chapter some prototype gas and gas-surface processes occurring within the hypersonic flow layer surrounding spacecrafts at planetary entry are discussed. The discussion is based on microscopic dynamical calculations of the detailed cross sections and rate coefficients performed using classical mechanics treatments for atoms, molecules and surfaces. Such treatment allows the evalu...

General Physics I. Molecular Collisions

The Physics of Low-energy Electron-Molecule Collisions: A Guide for the Perplexed and the Uninitiated

The essential physical features of low-energy electron-molecule scattering are described in a qualitative fashion. The context for this discussion is provided by the frame-transformation picture, which entails a 'partitioning' of the quantum scattering problem according to the relative importance of various physical interactions. This picture is then used as the basis for a qualitative overview...

Multi-electron processes in atomic collisions ± theory

For the theoretical description of the multi-electron processes induced by charged particle impact we use a relatively simple perturbative method. The second-order approximation is valid for protons and antiprotons of moderate and high velocities. Electron correlation is taken into account by the use of con®guration-interaction wavefunctions. The agreement with the available experimental data f...

Molecular beam studies of elementary chemical processes.

The experimental investigation of elementary chemical reactions is presently in a very exciting period. The advance in modern microscopic experimental methods, especially crossed molecular beams and laser technology, has made it possible to explore the dynamics and mechanisms of important elementary chemical reactions in great detail. Through the continued accumulation of detailed and reliable ...