EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Magin et al. 2006
Magin, T.E., Caillault, L., Bourdon, A. and Laux, C.O. (2006). Nonequilibrium radiative heat flux modeling for the Huygens entry probe. Journal of Geophysical Research 111: doi: 10.1029/2005JE002616. issn: 0148-0227.

An electronic collisional-radiative model is proposed to predict the nonequilibrium populations and the radiation of the excited electronic states CN(A, B) and N2(A, B, C) during the entry of the Huygens probe into the atmosphere of Titan. The model is loosely coupled with flow solvers using a Lagrangian method. First, the model was tested against measurements obtained with the shock-tube of NASA Ames Research Center. Then, the model was applied to the simulation of Huygen's entry. Our simulations predict that the population of the CN(B) state is lower than the Boltzmann population by a factor 40 at trajectory time t = 165 s and by a factor 2 at t = 187 s and that the population of the CN(A) state remains close to the Boltzmann population for both trajectory points. The radiative heat fluxes, driven by the CN(A, B) states, are lower than predictions based on the Boltzmann populations by a factor 15 at t = 165 s and a factor 2 at t = 187 s.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Space Plasma Physics, Spacecraft/atmosphere interactions, Space Plasma Physics, Radiation processes, Space Plasma Physics, Shock waves, Planetary Sciences, Solar System Objects, Titan
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit