The Minton Group is known for its research on reaction dynamics involving high-energy (hyperthermal) collisions. Molecular beam scattering techniques are used to study gas-phase and gas-surface collision dynamics. A new “Table-Top Shock Tunnel” has recently been constructed to enable studies of shock layer chemistry, in order to generate data for models of hypersonic flow environments. Thermal decomposition of heat-shield materials is studied with in situ detection of volatile pyrolysis products. Collaborations with theoreticians and modelers significantly augment the understanding of collision dynamics that are revealed in the experiments. The reactive and non-reactive systems under current study have been chosen for their relevance to gas-phase and gas-surface interactions in hypersonic flows, materials durability on satellites in low Earth orbit, satellite drag, and gas concentration in rarefied atmospheres (e.g., air-breathing propulsion in very low Earth orbit).
keywords
Gas-Surface Interactions, Gas-Phase Collisions, Space Environmental Effects on Materials, Satellite Drag, Hypersonic Ablation
The JPC Periodic Table.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry C: Energy Conversion and Storage, Optical and Electronic Devices, Interfaces, Nanomaterials, and Hard Matter.
17063-17074.
2019
The JPC Periodic Table.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A: Isolated Molecules, Clusters, Radicals, and Ions; Environmental Chemistry, Geochemistry, and Astrochemistry; Theory.
5837-5848.
2019
The JPC Periodic Table.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry B: Biophysical Chemistry, Biomaterials, Liquids, and Soft Matter.
5973-5984.
2019
Dynamics of Graphite Oxidation at High Temperature.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry C: Energy Conversion and Storage, Optical and Electronic Devices, Interfaces, Nanomaterials, and Hard Matter.
6602-6617.
2018
Dynamics of hyperthermal collisions of O(3P) with CO.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A: Isolated Molecules, Clusters, Radicals, and Ions; Environmental Chemistry, Geochemistry, and Astrochemistry; Theory.
2192-2205.
2008
Theoretical studies of the O(P-3) plus ethane reaction.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A: Isolated Molecules, Clusters, Radicals, and Ions; Environmental Chemistry, Geochemistry, and Astrochemistry; Theory.
7161-7169.
2003
UV photolysis of ClOOCl.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A: Isolated Molecules, Clusters, Radicals, and Ions; Environmental Chemistry, Geochemistry, and Astrochemistry; Theory.
1691-1695.
1999
HYPERTHERMAL NEUTRAL BEAM ETCHING.
Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology Part A: International Journal Devoted to Vacuum, Surfaces, and Films .
959-965.
1995
ASEN 4013 - Foundations of Propulsion
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Describes aerothermodynamics and design of both rocket and air-breathing engines. Includes ramjets, turbojets, turbofans, and turboprop engines, as well as liquid, solid, and hybrid rockets.
ASEN 5251 - Molecular Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Provides an introduction to chemical kinetics and theories of molecular collisions and chemical reactions. Draws on quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics to help understand the magnitude of chemical reaction rates and how they vary with macroscopic parameters, such as temperature, and with microscopic parameters, such as molecular size, structure, and energy spacing. Recommended prerequisite: general chemistry, general physics, multivariable calculus.
ASEN 5519 - Special Topics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Reflects upon specialized aspects of aerospace engineering sciences. Course content is indicated in the online Class Search. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: varies.
CHEM 6901 - Research in Chemistry
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
