High speed chemical rotors

Ralls, Michael Peter (1976). High speed chemical rotors. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This report is an account of the work carried out, mainly by the author, on the development of high speed rotors for the production of hypersonic colliding beams of molecules.

Initially a brief comparison is made between various standard techniques used for the production of molecular beams with translational energies in the range 1 to 20eV. Then consideration is given to the part that rotors, producing tip speeds of 2km/s, can play in producing colliding molecular beams with available reaction energies from 1 to 20eV.

Following this, the theoretical and practical considerations used to produce a successful high speed rotor, using carbon fibre composite arms, are discussed. A full description of the single rotor unit is given and also of the double rotor unit, which is designed to produce colliding beams. Full circuit details of the rotor suspension system, the drive unit and a semi- digital and a fully-digital unit for phase- locking two rotors for use when producing colliding beams are given.

Results of an experiment are described, using one rotor, to measure the energy- intensity characteristics of a rotor - produced beam of mercury atoms. Finally, a description of a proposed experiment to optically excite mercury atoms by collision of two rotor- produced beams is given, this to be conducted in the double unit.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):