Improved Atmospheric Dispersion Models for Space Shuttle Launches at Vandenberg AFB.

Improved Atmospheric Dispersion Models for Space Shuttle Launches at Vandenberg AFB. PDF Author: H. E. Cramer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 9

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Book Description
To assist in evaluating the environmental effects of material injected into the lower atmosphere during launches of the Space Transportation System (STS) at Vandenberg (VAFB), the U.S. Air Force (USAF) is implementing an improved and modified version of the REEDM computer code currently used to support STS launches at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). This paper describes the basic features of the REEDM program and outlines in detail the modifications and improvements being made to adapt this program for STS launches at VAFB. The modifications/improvements include a new model for predicting the fallout and surface deposition of acidic particles for use at both KSC and VAFB; development of turbulent dispersion coefficients appropriate for VAFB; incorporation of a mesoscale wind-field model for calculating the effects of the complex terrain at VAFB on the trajectories and dispersion of the STS exhaust clouds. An additional important task is the performance of an extensive environmental risk assessment for VAFB using VAFB rawinsonde data with the modified REEDM computer program.

Improved Atmospheric Dispersion Models for Space Shuttle Launches at Vandenberg AFB.

Improved Atmospheric Dispersion Models for Space Shuttle Launches at Vandenberg AFB. PDF Author: H. E. Cramer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 9

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Book Description
To assist in evaluating the environmental effects of material injected into the lower atmosphere during launches of the Space Transportation System (STS) at Vandenberg (VAFB), the U.S. Air Force (USAF) is implementing an improved and modified version of the REEDM computer code currently used to support STS launches at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). This paper describes the basic features of the REEDM program and outlines in detail the modifications and improvements being made to adapt this program for STS launches at VAFB. The modifications/improvements include a new model for predicting the fallout and surface deposition of acidic particles for use at both KSC and VAFB; development of turbulent dispersion coefficients appropriate for VAFB; incorporation of a mesoscale wind-field model for calculating the effects of the complex terrain at VAFB on the trajectories and dispersion of the STS exhaust clouds. An additional important task is the performance of an extensive environmental risk assessment for VAFB using VAFB rawinsonde data with the modified REEDM computer program.

USAF Space Shuttle Dispersion Modelling

USAF Space Shuttle Dispersion Modelling PDF Author: Dennis F. Naugle
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 23

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Book Description
The Space Shuttle emits large quantities of hydrogen chloride (HC2) to the atmosphere during launch. The fate of the HC1 is not well understood but includes ground deposition near the launch pad, acid washout, acid rainout, and gaseous HC1 dispersion. A workshop was held at the USAF OEHL on 30 Nov to 2 Dec 1982 to discuss this phenomena and how to predict the effects which will occur during future Shuttle launches from Vandenberg AFB CA. Predictive dispersion model alternatives are presented. Recommendations include: (1) Adapt the NASA model for VAFB operational use. (2) Continue work on more sophisticated models for risk assessments and to improve or eventually replace the simpler operational model. (3) Collect essential measurement data to evaluate and improve models, and (4) For a steering committee to help insure an adequate predictive technique is operational for the first Shuttle launch from VAFB.

Tracer Puff Dispersion at Launch Sites

Tracer Puff Dispersion at Launch Sites PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 17

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Book Description
As part of the USAF Atmospheric Dispersion Model Validation Program (MVP), puffs of tracer gas were released from a blimp over the rocket launch sites at Cape Canaveral AS and Vandenberg AFB. Multiple infrared cameras imaged the transport and diffusion of the puffs. The imagery is being analyzed to determine the position, movement, and growth of the puffs with time. The objective of the activity is to correlate atmospheric diffusion rates with measurements of atmospheric turbulence. Results of the activity will be used to evaluate and improve the models that are used at the launch ranges to predict the dispersion of toxic clouds generated by launch operations. This is the first time that tracer gases have been released from a free flying blimp and imaged by infrared cameras at ground locations.

Downwind Hazard Calculations for Space Shuttle Launches at Kennedy Space Center and Vandenberg Air Force Base

Downwind Hazard Calculations for Space Shuttle Launches at Kennedy Space Center and Vandenberg Air Force Base PDF Author: Michael Susko
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ISBN:
Category : Aircraft exhaust emissions
Languages : en
Pages : 72

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Operational Use of Air Pollution Models at the Space and Missile Ranges

Operational Use of Air Pollution Models at the Space and Missile Ranges PDF Author: Billie F. Boyd
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 11

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Book Description
The Space Shuttle exhaust ground and cloud results from the exhaust plume from the Space Shuttle Main Engines and the Solid Rocket Boosters initially impinging on the launch complex and flame trench. The initial ground cloud is formed from high-temperature combustion products and vaporized flame trench water. The exhaust cloud rises to an altitude at which buoyant equilibrium with the ambient atmosphere is established. This occurs at an altitude of 1 to 2 km in a period of 5 to 10 min after launch. At this point, the kinematic transport phase commences. At stabilization, the exhaust cloud typically contains approximately 99 percent ambient air entrained during the cloud rise portion of its transport. The major rocket exhaust constituents are hydrogen chloride (HCL), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H20), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The REEDM (Rocket Exhaust Effluent Diffusion Model) computer code is currently used to provide a real-time dispersion prediction during each launch of the Space Shuttle at the Eastern Test Range (ETR). It has also been used to assess the environmental impact fof future Shuttle launches at the Western Test Range. The REEDM includes basic mathematical expressions for atmospheric dispersion models, cloud-rise models for calculating the gravitational deposition of acid drops. Inputs are vehicle and other source parameters, meteorological parameters defining the state of the planetary boundary layer including turbulence parameters, and physical properties of the rocket exhaust cloud. This paper describes the model and discusses in detail recent improvements.

Diffusion Modeling in Support of the Space Shuttle

Diffusion Modeling in Support of the Space Shuttle PDF Author: Billie F. Boyd
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 16

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Book Description
The requirements for a computer model to forecast the diffusion of rocket exhaust during launches of the Space Shuttle are discussed. The REEDM computer code includes basic mathematical expressions for atmospheric dispersion models, cloud-rise models and models for calculating the gravitational deposition of acid drops. Inputs are vehicle and other source parameters, meteorological parameters defining the state of the planetary boundary layer (including turbulence parameters) and physical properties of the rocket exhaust cloud. During launches of the Space Shuttle, the rocket engines emit large quantities of exhaust products, which combine with water from the sound suppression system and result in the formation of a large hot acid cloud near ground level. The cloud grows rapidly through entrainment and, shortly after ignition, it lifts off the ground and rises to its stabilization height. Typically the top of the stabilized cloud produced by the Space Shuttle is more than 2 kilometers above ground level. By convention, this cloud is referred to as the ground cloud. The rocket engines of the ascending vehicle also leave an exhaust trail which extends through the troposphere and beyond. The REEDM computer program is designed to calculate peak concentration, dosage and surface deposition (resulting from both gravitational settling and precipitation scavenging) of ground cloud constituents downwind from normal launches and launch failures.

MVP Deployment #4 (May 1997) Tracer Gas Atmospheric Dispersion Measurements at Vandenberg Air Force Base

MVP Deployment #4 (May 1997) Tracer Gas Atmospheric Dispersion Measurements at Vandenberg Air Force Base PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
As part of the USAF Atmospheric Dispersion Model Validation Program (MVP), puffs of tracer gas were released from an airship (i.e., free-flying blimp) over the eastern and western rocket launch ranges (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, MVP deployments 1-3, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, MVP deployment 4, respectively). Infrared cameras, located at multiple locations, simultaneously imaged the transport and dispersion of the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer from various perspectives. The imagery is being quantitatively analyzed to follow the movement and the dispersion of the puffs with time. Analysis of the simultaneous multi-perspective imagery quantifies the absolute dispersion of individual puffs as well as the relative dispersion and motion of groups of puffs. Expansion rates are reported separately for the various axes (alongwind, crosswind, etc ...) relative to the puff trajectory (effective wind bearing). The infrared imagery revealed the puff extent to a threshold of 1-5 ppm-m column density, which included the bulk of the SF6 tracer. The objective of the activity is to correlate the imagery-derived atmospheric expansion rates with other measurements of atmospheric turbulence. Results of the activity will be used to evaluate and improve the models that are used at the launch ranges to predict the dispersion of toxic clouds generated by launch operations. This is the first time that tracer gases have been released from a free-flying blimp and imaged simultaneously by infrared cameras at multiple ground locations. This report provides a summary of the imagery-derived results from the MVP #4 puff releases at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

ARAC Dispersion Modeling Support for January--March 1995 Vandenberg AFB Launches

ARAC Dispersion Modeling Support for January--March 1995 Vandenberg AFB Launches PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 11

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Book Description
The Glory Trip (GT) 17-PA Peacekeeper launch originally scheduled at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) between 15 and 20 November 1994 was cancelled based on modeled toxic exhaust cloud calculations. The Missile Flight Control Branch, 30th Space Wing Safety Office (30 SW/SEY), made several successive ''No Go'' decisions using Version 7. 05 Rocket Exhaust Effluent Dispersion Model (REEDM) with forecasted meteorological conditions. REEDM runs made from T-14 hours to T-30 minutes predicted that ground-level concentrations of hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas from the catastrophic abort case would exceed 5 ppM, the ''instantaneous'' ambient air concentration ''Tier 2'' limit at that time, modeled as a peak 1-minute cloud centerline concentration. Depending on the forecasted wind direction and speed at launch time, this limit was predicted to be exceeded sometimes at Base Housing, approximately 10 km southeast of the launch, and during other launch windows at the town of Casmalia, about 5 km east- southeast. In late December 1994, the LLNL Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC) program modeled the aborted November 1994 Peacekeeper launch and compared its results with REEDM. This initial comparison showed that the ARAC model predicted values about 1/3 as large as REEDM for the limiting case at Base Housing. Subsequently ARAC was asked to provide real-time modeling support to 30 SW/SEY during the rescheduled Peacekeeper GT 17-PA launch in January 1995 and two Minuteman launches in February and March. This report first briefly discusses the model differences and then summarizes the results of the three supported launches.

Medical Service Digest

Medical Service Digest PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Aviation medicine
Languages : en
Pages : 304

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Government Reports Announcements & Index

Government Reports Announcements & Index PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 658

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