Date of Award

3-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

David E. Weeks, PhD

Abstract

In order to solve the dynamics of a system, the kinetic energy operator of the Hamiltonian must be diagonalized. Diagonalization requires rotation of the system into a non-adiabatic representation. This rotation is a coupling angle determined by the derivative coupling terms. Derivative coupling terms are calculated using Columbus and Brooklyn, software packages. Separation of internal dynamics characterized by Jacobi coordinates, and external dynamics characterized by a set of Euler angles and the center of mass position, requires a transformation from Cartesian coordinates to Jacobi coordinates required for subsequent dynamical calculations. Previous attempts to solve for non-adiabatic energy surfaces in this manner have failed because of an ambiguity in selecting the correct variable for describing the overall rotation of the B+H2 system, giving answers that do not agree with theory. This error, which lies within the method of converting from one coordinate system to another, is discovered and corrected. By way of this correction, correct coupling angles are calculated, and non-adiabatic energy surfaces are calculated.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAP-ENP-05-01

DTIC Accession Number

ADA434277

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Chemistry Commons

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