A survey of vibrational relaxation rate data for processes importantto CO2-N2-H2O infrared plume radiation

A comprehensive survey of relaxation rate data important in the modeling of nonequilibrium infrared radiation from exhaust plumes at altitude is presented. A model is developed which considers energy transfer among the first fourteen vibrational states of CO2, the first five of H2O, and up to the first three states of each of the diatomic molecules considered, i.e., of N2, O2, CO, OH, and H2. Available data are first assembled for those processes that have been subjected to experimental analysis. Where possible, statistical and/or quantum considerations are used to relate unmeasured rate constants to those whose values are known. Finally, resort is made to available theory to obtain estimates for the rate constants for the balance of the interactions important to the overall model.