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Minton, Timothy K.

Professor

Positions

Research Areas research areas

Research

research overview

  • 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

Publications

selected publications

Teaching

courses taught

  • ASEN 4013 - Foundations of Propulsion
    Primary Instructor - 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 5519 - Selected Topics
    Primary Instructor - 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.

Background

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