SOLID ROCKET EXHAUST IN THE STRATOSPHERE - PLUME DIFFUSION AND CHEMICAL-REACTIONS

A model has been developed to examine, on a local scale, the reactions of rocket exhaust from solid rocket motors with stratospheric ozone. The effects were examined at two different altitudes. Results of the m odeling study indicate that afterburning chemistry of reactive exhaust products can cause local but transient (on the order of several minut es) loss of ozone. The modeling study included potential heterogeneous reactions at aluminum oxide surfaces. Results indicate that these pot ential heterogeneous reactions do not have a major impact on the local plume chemistry. Homogeneous reactions appear to be of more consequen ce during the early dispersion of the plume. It has also been found th at the rate of plume dispersion has a very significant effect on local ozone loss.