SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

CENTER IN UKRAINE

Project Proposal

5841
Dynamic testing of full-size rocket aerosol
generators utilized for impacting on
atmospheric processes
Moldova

1.

PROJECT PROPOSAL

1.1 Project Title:

Dynamic testing of full-size rocket aerosol generators utilized for impacting on atmospheric processes
1.2 Project Manager:
Name:
Tel:
Fax:
Email:

Zasavitchi Efim (Doctor)

(+373.22) 73 71 97
(+373.22) 73 70 88
efim@nano.asm.md , efimzasavitsky@gmail.com

1.3 Participating Institutions:

Main:
Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnology "D.Ghitu" of ASM of Academy
of Sciences of Moldova of AS RM
1.4 Current Foreign Collaborators:
Organization:
Person:
Phone:
Fax:
Address:
E-mail:

Institute for Advanced Sciences Convergence & International Clean Water Institute
Ashrok Vaseashta
(+1.703) 4787691
(+1.877) 6157335
Herndon, VA - Virginia 20171, United States of America
avaseash@norwich.edu , VaseashtaAK@state.gov , prof.vaseashta@nanoknowledge.info

Organization:
Person:
Phone:
Fax:
Address:
E-mail:

Stroyproject LTD
Hristo Krusharsky
(+359.2) 9831210
(+359.2) 9835035
Sofia, 1202, Bulgaria
stroyproject@gmail.com

Organization:
Person:
Phone:
Fax:
Address:
E-mail:

I. Physikalisches Institut Uni-Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

Vasily Moshnyaga
(+49.551) 397621
(+49.551) 3912229
Goettingen, Niedersachsen 37077, Germany
vmosnea@gwdg.de

Organization:
Person:
Phone:
Fax:
Address:
E-mail:

Alabama A&M University, Department of Physics, Cemistry and Mathematics

Nickolai Kukhtarev
(+1.256) 3725305
(+1.256) 3725622
Normal, Alabama AL 35762, United States of America
nickoly.kukhtarev@aamu.edu

Organization:
Person:
Phone:
Fax:
Address:
E-mail:

Luminit, LLC
Fedor Dimov
(+1.310) 3201066
(+1.310) 3208067
Torrance, California CA 90501, United States of America
fdimov@luminitco.com

1.5 Project Duration: 24 months

1.6 Participants:
Weapon Scientists
Total Participants

Number
8
8

Person - Days of Efforts

890
890

1.7 Project Summary:

The aim of our project proposal is to develop a reliable laboratory technique for testing full-size rocket
aerosol generators that are intended to impact on adverse atmospheric phenomena, such as hail and drought.
The problems related to the development of methods for active impacting on clouds in order to suppress hail
or to increase the amount of precipitation are highly relevant. Exploration programs are implemented on a
long-term basis in more than 40 countries, including the Republic of Moldova. The efficiency of these
activities mainly depends on the properties of cloud seeding reagents and their rocket generators. Effective
analysis and control of the generator characteristics, as well as the reagent quality, are the technological and
methodological basis for a successful implementation of the active impacts.
The proposed project is aimed at increasing the efficiency of active impacts on the meteorological processes
in order to suppress hail and precipitation inducing. To improve the performance and quality of reagents and
to develop recommendations on their optimum use for various problems of active impacts, it is necessary to
update and assimilate new methods for estimating the properties of reagents using the available aerodynamic
stand in line with modern requirements. Through the creation of strictly controlled conditions that are
maximally similar to natural ones, we intend to achieve a better understanding of the processes of ice crystal
nucleation and their growth on the centers of crystallization obtained from different pyrotechnic
compositions. A thorough modernization of our aerodynamic system will allow us to increase the air speed
during the formation of particles and to provide more controllable conditions at the stage of water droplet
growth and ice crystallization, thus providing the conditions that maximally correspond to the real ones
during the flight of a rocket that seeds clouds with reagents. To study the active seeding of reagents resulting
in aerosol droplets and ice crystals, we will employ an optical interferometry method for the characterization
of particles. Based on the modernized installation, our project will be mainly focused on the development of
new pyrotechnical compositions, which are intended both for more effective influence on clouds to obtain
surplus of water during dry periods and for the prevention of hail cloud formation.
Understanding of the nature of nucleation and growth of ice crystals or water droplets will provide a better
control of these processes. The obtained results will be useful for practical combating hailstones and
inducing artificial rainfalls. These results will help us to perform our routine laboratory activities on the
operating control of properties and quality of rocket generators and reagents used in Moldova and in
neighboring countries. In addition, the optical interferometry method of particle imaging can be further
applied in different important technological processes.
The project results will be published in international journals to be accessible for all experts involved in the
field of active influence on the formation of hail clouds and the inducing of additional precipitation.

1.8 Project Facilities:

The Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies "D.Ghitu" of the Academy of Sciences of
Moldova focus on fundamental and applied researches in the field of solid state electronics, technology and
engineering of materials, electronic devices and the study of the properties of pyrotechnic compositions used
for the impact on atmospheric processes. The Institute possesses necessary infrastructure to provide the
claimed investigations: technological and characterization equipment, workshop, intranet with Internet
access.
Our group has some experience in the investigation and working with of pyrotechnic compositions for hail
suppression. The Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies "D.Ghitu"of the Academy of
Sciences of the RM dispose of the aerodynamic stand for the testing of full-size generators of ice-forming
aerosols. This aerodynamic stand allows testing any type of pyrotechnical generators of ice-forming
aerosols, which are used at present both in operations on protection of agricultural crops from hail damage
and in operations (experiments) on modification of precipitation. Will be carried out comprehensive studies
of of pyrotechnic compositions used in the practice of active impacts on atmospheric processes in Moldova.
Collaboration with a group of firms Stroiprojekt LTD will quickly make changes to the technological
processes for the production of pyrotechnic compositions with improved qualities.
Joint discussion between all collaborators will serve as powerful tool for elaboration novel material with
enhanced properties for the impact on atmospheric processes from the standpoint of their effectiveness and
environmental safety.
1.9 Project Science and Technology Areas:
Primary:

Industrial Technologies

Secondary:

Biotechnologies, Agricultural Sciences and Medicine

1.10 Total Estimated Project Cost by Year:

Cost Estimate (in USD)
Grant Payments
Equipment
Materials
Other Direct Costs
Travel
Overhead
Total STCU Financing
Requested

Year1
16400
5300
1180
0
5570
0
28450

Year2
16160
0
550
0
4840
0
21550

Year3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Total
32560
5300
1730
0
10410
0
50000

1.11 Project Description:

1.11 Introduction
Whats the problem?
Agricultural production is adversely affected by some weather phenomena, such as drought, hail, and flood.
The Republic of Moldova (RM) is one of the countries where the agriculture forms an essential part of the
economic potential. Due to the location and climatic features, the territory of the RM is frequently exposed by the
weather scourges. Droughts, flash floods and damaging hail often involve catastrophic consequences. The annual
hail damage can reach tens millions of uros and strongly influence the economic development of the country. On
average, every year hail damages more than 25% of the cultivated areas in Moldova. Heavy rains and strong winds
that usually accompany hail increase these losses even more.
This is the main reason why an artificial impacting on the weather processes by seeding clouds with active
reagents has attracted much attention in the last 50 years (S. Dennis Weather Modification by Cloud Seeding.
Academic Press, 1980). The principle of the cloud seeding is based on the rocket technology that delivers silver
iodide (AgI) particles into the clouds, thus creating nucleation centers of ice crystals. Today silver iodide is the most
widely used reagent, whose fine aerosols can initiate the formation of ice crystals with a very high probability. It
was shown by simulations that the ice-forming pyrotechnical compositions based on AgI, which are also used in
RM in anti-hail rockets for impacts on hail-hazardous clouds, are able to yield more than 1013 g-1 of active
particles at the temperature of a cloud environment of 100C. Based on the nucleation theory, H. Fletcher has
developed a theoretical description of the effect of ice nucleation on the surface of aerosol particles (N. H. Fletcher,
Size effect in heterogeneous nucleation. J. Chem. Phys., vol.29, pp. 572-576, 1958; N. H. Fletcher, The physics of
rainclouds, Cambridge, University Press, 1962; N. H. Fletcher The chemical physics of ice. Cambridge, Cambridge
University Press, 1970). The hypothesis is that the available water in the cloud is the main source for the growth of
hailstones. An increase in the total number of hail embryos (ice nuclei) results in the appearance of hailstones
bigger in number but smaller in size, which will melt before reaching the soil, or at least their kinetic energy will be
considerably smaller. The decision for the treatment of the cloud is based on information obtained by a radar
(reflectivity of the cloud, values of temperature within the cloud, height of the zero isotherm, dynamics and
structure of the cloud).
In 1991 70% of the Moldavian territory (2.5 million hectares) was protected against hail, but now this action is
performed over 1.4 million hectares only, for the areas where the hail probability is higher, mostly in the southern
and central regions of the country. As an example of the effect of hail, we can mention the hailstorm of June 18,
2005 that affected the southern part of the RM outside of the protected area and destroyed about 2,000 hectares of
crops, vegetables, and vineyards. As a result, the estimated one-time damages reached 0.5 million uros. More than
10 similar destructive events were observed in the past in the same unprotected region of the RM.
According to experts estimations, on average, the anti-hail program allows reducing the damages to harvest
by about 20%. Therefore, a direct funding of anti-hail program by Moldavian government is the right decision that
will help the farmers against this type of scourges.
Another phenomenon of frequent occurrence in Moldova is drought. Most of the Moldavian agricultural land
is located in zones with insufficient water resources. On the average, every ten years, drought happens 1-2 times in
the north of the country, 2-3 times in the central part, and 5-6 times in the south. For the last decade, droughts
occurred more often, and they are becoming more and more intense. For example, the drought of 2012 was very
powerful and continued during the entire vegetative period.
The estimation of aridity of the territory of Moldova conducted on the basis of an aridity index (the ratio of the
sum of annual precipitation to potential evapotranspiration) shows that the northern regions of the republic and the
plateau of the Codrii (forestry zone in the central part of Moldova) are damped sub-humid lands. The central and
the southern regions are arid sub-humid and semiarid lands and potentially can be exposed to the process of

desertification under incorrect usage. Droughts will accelerate this process in the absence of active actions aimed at
increasing water resources, both by increasing the storages and by providing their recharge.
It is verified that, with the ongoing climatic global change, the southern regions of Moldova will undergo a
higher probability of droughts caused by a deficiency of moisture. In the southern region of the RM, the annual
sums of precipitation do not exceed 450 mm; this characterizes this region as drought-afflicted. As consequences,
the water resource shortage is becoming more economically dramatic and, therefore, it is suggested that the
launching of an additional program aimed at artificial rain enhancement could complement the actual activities for
hail protection in the RM.
1.12 Literature Search
What are other people doing?
In practical work on active impacts on supercooled cloud system, including hail clouds, it is necessary to know
the efficiency of used pyrotechnical rockets. This will give the possibility to abide by the norm of seeding of the
clouds by reagents and correctly determine the consumption of rockets during the action. Efficiency of the
pyrotechnical compositions is one of the crucial components that determine subsequent results of artificial impact
on atmospheric phenomena. An evident difficulty of direct atmospheric measurements of effectiveness has resulted
in the development of laboratory techniques for the pyrotechnical composition characterization.
The beginning of works on the quantitative examination of ice-forming aerosols dates back to the sixties of the
last century (Central Aerological Observatory, Russia, http://www.cao-rhms.ru, and Research and Production
Association "Typhoon", Russia http://www.typhoon.obninsk.ru). Techniques for testing of ice-forming agents in a
static mode have been firstly developed in Central Aerological Observatory, Russia (Plaude N.O., Studies of iceforming properties of aerosols of silver iodide and lead iodide (in Russian), Moscow, Gidrometeoizdat, Trudy
CAO, issue 80, 1967, 88p.). These investigations allowed developing a number of new pyrotechnic compositions
based on silver iodide (AgI), which is a relatively inexpensive and widespread reagent, and then o introduce them
into the practice of active impacting on clouds. This in turn provided the possibility to organize the first commercial
hail protection service on the territory of the Moldavian SSR in 1964.
The further development was mainly directed on detailed studies of AgI-based pyrotechnic compositions.
These studies were performed in numerous laboratories around the world under laboratory conditions using a static
mode of aerosol generation. For example, through comparative investigations of AgI-based reagents in a static
mode (Federer B., Schneider A. Properties of pyrotechnic nucleants used in Grossversuch IV. American
Meteorological Society, 1981, Vol. 20, P. 997-1005) it was estimated that the pyrotechnical composition containing
only 2% by weight of AgI has a very high ice nucleation efficiency of 2 x 10 13 g-1 at -100C. Thus, a lot of static tests
confirmed the initial suggestion about the unique properties of AgI as a basic reagent in the pyrotechnics of active
compositions that are used for the controllable impacting on the weather phenomena.
The subsequent period of investigation was devoted to advanced studies of new pyrotechnical compositions in
combination with the development of methods intended for an advanced simulation of a testing environment for
measurement validity enhancement. A significant contribution to the development of new reagents based on AgI
and methods for their examination was made by the Bulgarian National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology
(Rangel D. Petrov, Petko R. Boev, Petio T. Simeonov, Peter G. Konstantinov, Research and Operational Cloud
Modification Activities in Bulgaria, http://plovdiv.meteo.bg). This group has designed a very efficient and fast
acting AgI-based ice-nucleating reagent that produced ~2 x 10 13 nuclei at -100C and ~2x1012 at 3.50C. These results
were subsequently confirmed by multiple international tests. The reagent is now used in several countries with the
Bulgarian LOZA rockets. The technique used by this group is also related to the static methods of testing
(http://cloudseeding.info). At present, the Bulgarian company Stroyproject Ltd, which is the manufacturer of LOZA
rocket systems designed especially for hailstorm prevention and artificial regulation of precipitation convective
clouds, can perform a fast testing of pyrotechnical compositions both in the static and in dynamic modes. The
dynamic mode means simulation of flight conditions during the aerosol generation by a pyrotechnical composition.
Another very interesting method, which was designed for ice nucleation studies, was developed by Rogers
(Rogers D.C., Development of a continuous flow thermal gradient diffusion chamber for ice nucleation studies,
Atmospheric Research, 22 (1988) 149-181). This is the so-called technique for measuring of ice nuclei produced
both below and above water saturation using a flow thermal gradient diffusion chamber. A new tool (installation)
for the study of ice nucleation has been very recently developed by the ETH Zurich, Institute for Atmospheric and
Climate Science, Switzerland (http://www.iac.ethz.ch ) (Stetzer O., Baschek B., Luond F., and Lohmann U., The
Zurich Ice Nucleation Chamber (ZINC)-A New Instrument to Investigate Atmospheric Ice Formation. Aerosol
Science and Technology, 42:64-74, 2008). The installation can operate at temperatures as low as 236 K with ice
supersaturations of up to 50% and a typical sample flow of 1 lpm.
It is clear that, in order to obtain accurate information about the efficiency of the pyrotechnic compositions
used for active impacts on atmospheric processes, it is necessary to carry out a direct simulation of the process with
respect to all the main parameters that determine the conditions for the formation of ice-forming particles, their
dispersion and structural properties, and thermodynamic conditions of their application (Kenneth G. Libbrecht, The
physics of snow crystals Rep. Prog. Phys. 68, 2005, 855895). The conditions of motion of a real rocket generator

in the air during the seeding of hail-hazardous cloud can be successfully simulated under laboratory conditions.
This approach is most appropriately met by a technique based on the use of a horizontal aerodynamic tube, which
provides a reliable information on the dispersion and ice-forming characteristics of the aerosols generated during its
motion in the atmosphere.
However, there are only a few laboratories that possess facilities for testing of pyrotechnic composition in the
dynamic mode using a real full-size rockets. In this aspect, we can mention a few laboratories in Russia (Central
Aerological Observatory, Russia, http://www.cao-rhms.ru), Research and Production Association "Typhoon",
Russia http://www.typhoon.obninsk.ru) and Kazan State Technological University, Russia (Karimova R.G.,
Timofeev N.T., Abdullin I.A., Turtsev A.V. Laboratory installation for determination of effectiveness of
pyrotechnical compositions of hydroscopic aerosol, Bulletin of Kazan State Technological University. 2009, no. 6,
pp. 245-248).
The development of methods for characterization of aerosol droplets, including those generated for impacting
on atmospheric processes, presents a separate direction of investigations. Quantitative examinations of ice-forming
reagents are based on measurements of the dimensions and number density of aerosol particles. An extensive
review of different methods of the aerosol parameter measurements was written by Huimin Liu (Science and
Engineering of Droplets: Fundamentals and Applications, Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, New Jersey, U.S.A.
2000). All the measurement techniques may be grouped into four categories: mechanical methods, electrical
methods, optical methods, and acoustical methods. Mechanical methods are relatively simple and low-cost, but they
are utilized mostly by economical reasons and have relatively long time of measurements. In these methods,
droplets are collected in either the liquid or frozen state and then subjected to a microscopic or sieving analysis.
Electrical methods involve the detection and analysis of electronic pulses generated by droplets in a kind of
measurement volume or on a wire. The electronic signals are then converted into digital data and calibrated to
produce information about the particles, but the reliability of this method is strongly relate to the calibration
accuracy. Optical methods have been developed in recent years and are finding an increasing range of applications.
Some of the optical methods are capable of simultaneously measuring all most important parameters of the
droplets: size, velocity, and number density. Acoustical methods are the most complex, but they have an advantage
over other methods in the case of very fine droplets. Probing methods, such as a hot wire, have a detection size
ranging from 1 to 600 m. Optical imaging methods can be applied for sizes above 5 m only, but with
significantly better measurement accuracy that depends on the used components of the optical scheme.
The characterization of small aerosol particles in situ by optical methods is a persistent objective in applied
purposes for climate modeling under laboratory conditions. Since the optical methods are not intrusive and do not
create any disturbance to the aerosol pattern, they may be compatible with most of existing climate modeling
chambers. In imaging optical methods, such as photography, high-speed videography, and holography, aerosol
droplets are visualized at the time when they pass through the measurement zone. As it was already mentioned,
these methods are limited to the droplet sizes larger than about 5 m, but this limitation is not prevented using these
methods in the practices of active impacting on weather. The data handling in imaging methods is slow, but it is
possible to solve this problem by an automated analysis of images.
The main problems of imaging methods are the limitation of the number of samples in the recording volume
and droplet number density. In addition, the working distance is also limited, and the sample volume is a function
of droplet diameter; that is, high-quality optics and windows are required. The charged coupled device (CCD)
detectors are widely used to record the droplet pattern digitally followed by data processing, which is obligatory
needed for the analysis of obtained results. A holographic method of imaging (B. J. Thompson, J. H. Ward, and W.
R. Zinky, Application of Hologram Techniques for Particle Size Analysis, Appl. Opt., vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 519526,
Mar. 1967) is also a two-step process. The sizes, forms, and locations of moving droplets in permanent form are
firstly registered, and then a stationary 3-D image of all the droplets contained within a sample volume is generated.
It is worth noting the digital holography is a modern and very informative method of microparticle analysis (Berg
MJ, Videen G. Digital holographic imaging of aerosol particles in flight. JQSRT (2011)). Particles of aerosol are
illuminated by a triggered pulsed laser and the pattern produced by the interference of this light with that scattered
by the particles is recorded by a digital camera. The recorded pattern constitutes a digital hologram, from which an
image of the particles is computationally reconstructed using a fast Fourier transform. This image is validated using
a cluster of ragweed pollen particles. Examples involving mineral-dust aerosols demonstrate the techniques in situ
imaging capability for complex-shaped particles over a size range of roughly 15500 micrometers.
Many non-imaging optical methods based on laser diagnostic techniques have been applied to aerosol
analysis. A phase-Doppler particle analyzer is now recognized as the most successful advanced diagnostic
instrument for spray characterization. Other proven diagnostic techniques include various forms of Rayleigh,
Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopies for measurements of temperature and concentration. The usage of the
laser-based diagnostic techniques is considered as the state-of the-art in aerosol characterization.
The light-scattering interferometry requires a special consideration. The measurement of droplet size and
velocity is based on the observation of the light scattered by droplets passing through the crossover region of two
intersecting laser beams. The droplet size information can be extracted from relative modulation or visibility of the
scattered signals on the basis of a fringe model. The method of interferometric laser imaging for droplet sizing
(ILIDS) was developed by Kobayashi (T.Kobayashi, T.Kawaguchi and M.Maeda , "Measurement of Spray Flow by
an Improved Interferometric Laser Imaging Droplet Sizing (ILIDS) System",10th. Int. Symp. Applications of Laser

Techniques to Fluid Mechanics, Lisbon, Portugal, paper 10.2. 2001). The airborne optical size-meter for
atmospheric water droplet characterization works in a real-time data analysis mode in order to obtain information
on droplet sizes during the flight.
Now the industry offers a lot of measurement systems based on the above listed optical methods. The systems
based on a photographic method are presented by BETE (http://www.bete.com). Malvern Instruments Spraytec
laser diffraction system allows measurements of spray particle and droplet size distributions in real-time
(http://www.malvern.com). Phase-Doppler Interferometers and the Interferometric Mie Imaging (IMI) systems are
manufactured by LaVision (www.lavision.de). Microtac is the manufacturer of Laser Diffraction Light Scattering
Technology (http://www.microtrac.com). Sequoia Scientific, Inc. (www.SequoiaSci.com) is the manufacturer of the
holographic particle imaging system.
Commercial ready-to-use measurement systems are used in climate modeling investigations. For example,
CAO (Russia) (N. O. Plaude, E. A. Stulov, N. A. Monakhova, M. V. Vychuzhanina, E. V. Sosnikova, and N. P.
Grishina, Effects of the City of Moscow on the Atmospheric Aerosol Characteristics in the Environs, Meteorologiya
i Gidrologiya, 2007, No. 12, pp. 3543) used an electric analyzer of aerosol dispersity produced by Thermo
Systems Inc., (USA) and a counter designed by MEE Industries Inc., (USA). While the optical methods of aerosol
characterization are the most appropriate for testing of pyrotechnical compositions, the implementation of optical
methods for testing of pyrotechnical compositions is required to provide measurements within climate chamber,
i.e., under specific environment conditions at a certain distance from windows. These requirements impose
constraints on the direct implementation of commercially available optical systems for our project goal.
It can be concluded from literature analysis that reliable characterization of pyrotechnical compositions
comprises two main requirements: (1) implementation of full-size rockets for the aerosol generation in the dynamic
mode and (2) application of an appropriate optical method with automated data handling for the aerosol
characterization in specific conditions of climate chamber.
How are their results being applied?
A wide variety of scientific tests and operational weather modification projects, including hail suppression and
precipitation enhancement, have been performed in many countries. At present, the largest programs are carried
out in the United States (Weather Modification, Inc., http://www.weathermodification.com), in Russia (Agency of
Atmospheric Technologies, http://en.attech.ru/www/), France (http://www.acmg.asso.fr), and China
(http://www.cma.gov.cn/en). On the whole, more than 150 weather modification programs are operating in 37
countries. For example, in China there are 42600 people involved in weather modification across the country, with
over 6900 special artilleries, over 7000 various types rocket launchers, over 52 aircrafts are rented for conducting
the weather modification actions with the hail suppression spanned over 440,000 square kilometers. On the basis of
pyrotechnical compositions developed by Bulgarian company Stroyproject Ltd (http://cloudseeding.info), which is
the manufacturer of LOZA Weather Modification Rockets, a number of programs have been implemented in
Argentina (Mendoza), Bulgaria, Macedonia, Moldova, and United Arab Emirates. Many programs have been
continuously operating for a long time, for example, hail suppression projects have been in operation for 51 years in
USA, 59 years in France, 52 years in the Russian Federation, and 49 years in Moldova.
The existing precipitation enhancement programs are generally younger longest living program started in
Israel in 1960. Among the countries that have programs on increasing rainfall, we can mention Argentina, Australia,
Burkina Faso, China, Cuba, France, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mali, Mexico, Republic of South
Africa, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and USA. For example, in China
the rain enhancement programs are now covering over 3 million square kilometers.
It can be concluded that active impacting on weather processes for hail prevention and rain enhancement is a
commonly used technology that has a great significance for agriculture, especially, with the ongoing global climatic
changes. Therefore, effectiveness of programs aimed at artificial suppression of undesirable atmospheric
phenomena has a prominent influence on the economic development in many countries. Effectiveness of the
pyrotechnical compositions plays one of the key roles in the successful application of every weather modification
program. That is, the development of new test methods for aerosols used in the rocket technology, which are known
as cloud seeding and cloud modification, is an extremely urgent application problem.
1.13 Purpose and Objective
What are we going to do?
Our proposal is aimed at providing the most reliable testing of pyrotechnical compositions, which are
produced the aerosols for weather modification by the rocket technology. As it was concluded from literature
analysis, we intend to meet the two principal requirements for the reliable aerosol characterization: (1) to
implement full-size rockets for the aerosol generation in the dynamic mode and (2) to apply an appropriate optical
method with automated data handling for the aerosol characterization under specific conditions of a climate
chamber.
To carry out control tests of ice-forming efficiency of full-size pyrotechnical generators, it is necessary to

design installations that simulate the basic parameters during the seeding of cloud environments. The basic
objective of these installations is to create model experimental conditions, which provide the preparation of iceforming aerosols with dispersed characteristics similar to real aerosols used as means for active influences on cloud
environments. It should be noted that the most adequate characteristics of aerosols can be obtained by testing a fullsize generator of pyrotechnical aerosols. This is attributed to the fact that the yields of full-size aerosol generators
working under real conditions are determined by conditions, especially those that take place at the output of the
nozzle of the generator and in the zone of mixing the combustion products with the ambient air. These conditions
are difficult to estimate and they are usually ignored in tests performed in the static mode.
The technique based on the usage of a small aerodynamic tube, which has been developed in our laboratory,
makes it possible to obtain the most adequate characteristics of the pyrotechnic compositions used for active
impacts on meteorological processes. It should be noted that the simulation of conditions of the flight of a rocket
using an aerodynamic stand is also caused by the fact that the ice-forming activity of aerosols is affected, to
different extents, by many factors. One of them is the ratio of the velocity of the generator to the velocity of
discharge of a gas-vapor stream from the nozzle of the generator. In addition, the yield of active ice-forming
particles of AgI heavily and monotonically depends on this parameter. The main difficulty in these experiments is to
form particles, which are adequate to really used particles by their physicochemical and, accordingly, ice-forming
characteristics. A significant parameter of artificial crystallization, which is necessary to characterize their
performance under real conditions of impact, is the yield of ice-forming particles in a temperature range of (-5
-15)oC.
It should be noted that, despite the considerable number of countries implementing projects on active
influences (AIs), laboratories of this level are now scarce in Europe. The aim of this work is to experimentally
reveal the dependence of the main parameter of rocket generators, i.e., yield, on external factors, such as
temperature, time, storage conditions, etc., under laboratory conditions with a maximal consistence of model
conditions to real conditions of the rocket flight within a potentially hazardous cloud upon seeding with an iceforming reagent.
To simulate real conditions of the operation of generators, the technique was based on the use of a stand
prepared of a small horizontal aerodynamic tube (HAT) designed and constructed at the Institute of Electronic
Engineering and Nanotechnologies, Academy of Science of Moldova (E. I. Zotov, N. I. Zotova, T. D. Nikorich, and
E. I. Potapov, The influence of gas impurities on ice-forming activity of pyrotechnic compositions with 2% content
of AgI (in Russian) Chisinau, Collection Active influence on atmospheric processes in Moldova, issue 3, pp.
86-90, 1992). This aerodynamic stand allows testing any type of full-size pyrotechnical generators of ice-forming
aerosols, which are used at present both in operations on protection of agricultural crops from hail damage and in
operations (experiments) on modification of precipitation.

Fig. 1. Aerodynamic system designed and assembled in our laboratory

for the testing of full-size rocket aerosol generators.
The diameter of the HAT d is 330 mm; the length L is 9 m. The HAT is equipped with an Eiffel chamber (d =
500 mm, L = 3 m), which is a device for taking samples of ice-forming aerosol from the air flow. The general
arrangement of the aerodynamic tube is shown in Fig. 1. In the front of the Eiffel chamber, an access panel is
arranged for the installation of full-size rocket generators of ice-forming aerosols and large fragments of samples of
the pyrotechnical compositions with reagents. The flow velocity (m/s) in the HAT is determined by the method of
measurement of gas dynamic pressure using a "Pitot tube."
To provide a correct representativeness of the aerosol sample in the aerodynamic tube, we carried out special
experiments to study the distribution of air velocity in the tube. It was determined that the air velocity distribution
over cross section in the zone of the aerosol generator at a flow rate in the working part of 30 m/s has an axis of

symmetry in the horizontal direction that almost coincides with the cross-section center. For better homogenization
and inter mixing of the aerosol and the air, at a certain distance behind the generator, we have installed a special
unitturbulatorintended for the intensive stirring of the aerosol plume in order to obtain a uniform aerosol
concentration over the cross section at the sampling point. The estimation of the uniformity of the distribution of
aerosol concentration over the cross section showed that the ratio of the concentration at the center to the
concentration at any point of the cross section varies within 10%.
The system of sampling and dilution allows taking a representative sampling of the aerosol generated in the air
flow of the HAT. The intake of aerosol is placed in the Eiffel chamber. The intake consists of a stainless pipe
exposed at the center of the tube with holes directed toward the flow and a piping system equipped by a special
syringe. Since the difference between atmospheric pressure and dynamic pressure is usually no more than 1%, the
transfer of the sample from the tract of the aerodynamic tube into a mixing chamber is carried out isothermally and
with a constant humidity.
To prevent the suppression of the activity of ice-forming particles due to the effect of "re-seeding", it is
necessary to obtain an optimum concentration of crystals in the mixing chamber, which would provide a
statistically significant result of the experiment. In order to reduce the aerosol concentration, the sample has to be
preliminarily dissolved in a cube with a volume of 1000 or 125 l, which are shown at Figs. 1 over the HAT. The
nucleation and growth of ice crystals occurs in a supercooled fog which is produced in the working volume of the
mixing chamber. In the capacity of a mixing chamber in the stand is still under discussion, but at present we used
an ILKA KTLK-1250 climate chamber with a working volume of 1200 l manufactured in Germany.
In accordance with the aims of our experimental work, this chamber was modified as follows.

Access holes were made in the door for installing and extracting of microthermostats.

An auxiliary arrangement for introducing a sample of the active aerosol into the working volume was
constructed.

A fan required to mix the air in order to reduce temperature gradients was installed in the working volume.

A sensor for simultaneous measurements of temperature and humidity was installed.

In the upper part of the cloud chamber, a lighting unit was installed in order to generate a beam of light for
the visual observation of the processes of fog formation, its density changing, and ice crystal nucleation.
Supercooled fog in the chamber is created by the injection of hot vapor, which is then condensed and formed
water aerosol with an average droplet diameter of about 4 m. With a given the linear dimensions of the chamber,
the vertical temperature gradient in the chamber does not exceed 0.02 deg/cm and respective horizontal gradient is
less than 0.005 deg/cm. The initial water content of fog depends on the duration of the vapour introduction and
varies in a range of 0.43.0 g/m3. The accuracy of temperature measurement in the working volume of the
chamber is 0.1oC. For the experimental measurement of temperature in the chamber, we take the temperature
settled in the working volume after the formation of fog that is before the introduction of the aerosol sample. The
lifetime of vapor fog in the chamber for an initial water content of 12 g/m3 is 23 min. Fog in the cloud chamber
is generated by the condensation of the hot water vapor introduced into a cooled volume. The activation of
samples of ice-forming aerosol is carried out in the chamber at specified temperature levels down to = 20oC.
Ice crystals that are formed on introduced nuclei grow to sedimentation sizes and are recorded at the bottom
of the chamber using microthermostats. The number of utilized microthermostats in each test is determined by
objectives of the specific experiment. According to the number of crystals that are formed and knowing the
characteristics of the equipment as well as the consumption data for given generator, we can exactly calculate the
yield of nuclei. It should be noted that the time of the manifestation of ice-forming nuclei depends on temperature;
in addition, the kinetic constant decreases with decreasing temperature; therefore, the manifestation of a given
fraction of nuclei increases by about 3 min with a decrease in temperature by 5 oC. Using the aerodynamic stand,
the duration of one experiment, which consists in the measurement of the yield of active ice-forming particles, is
3040 min at a given temperature.
For the determination of the yield of active ice-forming particles according to this technique, it is necessary to
take into account a number of additional factors, disregarding of which can significantly distort results:

the presence of significant temperature gradients in the chamber working volume;

inhomogeneity of water content of supercooled fog;

run-to-run reproducibility of fog parameters;

local supersaturation of water vapor upon the introduction of aerosol in the chamber;

coagulation of aerosol particles in the process of formation and introduction into the chamber, their
precipitation on chamber walls, injector, and feeding hoses.
The estimation of accidental errors of measurements shows that the error of a single measurement is 15% in a
temperature range of 10 to 20oC and 30% at a fog temperature of 5oC. As the temperature decreases, the error is
reduced. The total systematic error is 3% and can be ignored in the calculations.
The technique is protected by a Moldavian author's certificate. To date, it has been used for the practical testing
of generators of ice-forming aerosols based on Alazan' and Loza rockets used in our country. The developed

technique and devices make it possible to systematically study the yield of mass-produced generators of rockets that
are used in the practice of active influences (Alazan, Loza).
As noted above, the optical methods the most fully correspond to the purposes of ice-forming reagent
characterization in a climate chamber under conditions that are maximally approximated to real ones. However, the
high prices and mainly the necessity of adaptation of the commercial measurement systems for coupling with the
existing climate chamber are the obstacles to the direct implementation for this project. Therefore, the development
of a new custom-built optical measurement system will be a preferable decision, which will allow us to combine
our climate chamber with the required aerosol characterization method. It is assumed that the new method for
aerosol characterization will be also suitable for many other processes dealing with various aerosol technologies.
We consider that a scientific approach for the studying of pyrotechnical compositions used for suppressing hail
and increasing the amount of precipitation has fundamental and practical significance both for Moldova and for
other countries with similar climatic conditions, especially for neighboring countries of this region of Europe. New
data will help to improve the possibilities for protection and prevention against drought and hail for many countries.
Our preliminary studies have shown that the properties of pyrotechnic compositions are dependent on many
factors and the use of pyrotechnic generators by different exposure techniques requires reliable information on their
efficiency. Before using these tools in the active intervention, it is necessary to experimentally prove their
efficiency. Therefore, the development of laboratory technologies for testing pyrotechnic compositions is an
extremely relevant task.
Considering the losses of population and the national economy, especially agriculture, caused by dangerous
meteorological phenomena, in particular hail, whose trend in the context of climate changes is becoming more
aggressive, as well as the stimulating of precipitation, the development of any technology in this area is of high
priority. We believe that our developments on the testing of pyrotechnical compositions will help to solve actual
problems in this field.
Whats the objective?
Our preliminary studies have shown that the properties of pyrotechnic compositions are dependent on many
factors and the use of pyrotechnic generators in different exposure techniques requires reliable information on their
efficiency. Therefore, before using these tools in the active intervention, it is necessary to experimentally prove
their efficiency.
Properties of the ice-forming reagents depend on many factors and, not least of all, on the yield of a particular
generator, which depends on many factors: storage conditions, temperature, storage duration, etc. Thereby, the
efficiency of pyrotechnic generators depends on observance of technological conditions of their manufacture as
well as on the period and conditions of storage. Herein, a tendency of decreasing efficiency, sometimes by orders of
magnitude, can be observed.
In this regard, laboratory technologies aimed at studying the yield of generators are particularly relevant. An
improvement of the existing equipment will be based on the available equipment, the information accumulated in
other countries, and on their own development, including for other fields of physics that use "the aerosol"
technology. To implement an ideal case in which a technique for determining the efficiency of means of
crystallization most fully takes into account different situations of impact on supercooled clouds and various
characteristics of generators of ice-forming nuclei or crystals, we must provide the following conditions:
The efficiency of a generator should be studied using direct simulation over the entire set of parameters, both
parameters of the motion of the generator and the parameters of the environment in which the generator operates;
Any dilution and transfer of selected aerosol samples must not be accompanied by changes in temperature
and humidity;
The nucleation and growth of ice crystals must occur under the direct simulation of the basic parameters of
the seeding zone: temperature, humidity, and the spectrum of droplet size distribution.
The preference is given to aerodynamic tubes. Studies of generators in aerodynamic tubes make it possible to
acquire reliable information on the efficiency of a particular generator under strictly controlled measurement
conditions.
Therefore, the proposed program will be focused on following fundamental and applied objectives:
- development of new test methods of aerosols including processes of their interaction with the
environment;
- obtaining data on the effectiveness of experimental and commercial pyrotechnical ice-forming aerosols;
- testing of various pyrotechnic compositions used to suppress hail formation processes, including the
composition used by the anti-hail service of Moldova;
- revealing of influence of various external factors (storage conditions of pyrotechnical compositions,
temperature, humidity, the duration of storage, etc) on the yield of active centers of crystallization of
pyrotechnical compositions;
- testing of various pyrotechnic compositions used for inducing artificial rainfall;
- estimation of new reagents and their aerosol generators.

10

1.14 Expected Significance

Whats new?
The principal specific features of our project proposal are the employment of real full-size rockets for aerosol
generation under laboratory simulated flight conditions and the integration of an optical interferometry method for
fast and reliable characterization of aerosol particles in an artificially controlled environment within a climate
chamber. The combination of these features will be unique in the scope of impacting on atmospheric processes and,
thus, allows us to perform testing of pyrotechnic compositions at a previously inaccessible level of validity.
The proposed technique is based on the use of a small aerodynamic stand, which makes it possible to simulate
the dynamic characteristics similar to those that take place while seeding hail clouds with reagents by the rocket
technology under laboratory conditions. An installation based on a small aerodynamic stand will make it possible to
solve the problems of control of the efficiency of full-size aerosol generators in an on-line mode and to study
problems of nucleation activity of new reagents and compositions under dynamic conditions.
The new approach will allow us to carry out experiments on the determination of the practical yield of active
particles of a pyrotechnic composition for generators of different antihail rockets produced by different
manufacturers in different years and used for active impacts on hail-forming processes by the Special Services in
different countries.
Based on the new technique and devices that will be developed and introduced into practice for studying the
efficiency of crystallization on the basis of silver iodide AgI, we will have possibility to analyze the yield of really
used generators of rockets as a function of various external factors.
Thus, the proposed project will make a significant contribution to an important fundamental and applied
problem of rapid and reliable determination of the yield of real rocket generators used in the practice of active
influences on supercooled cloud environments to prevent hail and to enhance the amount of precipitation. The
results of these studies will be based on the experimentally measured value of yield and, thus, will give the
possibility to correctly calculate the minimum number of rockets required for the processing of potentially hailhazardous and rain clouds.
1.15 Organization, Qualification and Staffing
Who are we?
The Institute of the Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies (IEEN) "D. Ghitu" is a public
organization of science and innovation sphere, founded by the decision of the Government of the Republic of
Moldova in 2005 through the merging of three Centers: International Laboratory of Superconductivity and Solid
State Electronics (LISES), Specialized Bureau for Design and Technology on Solid State Electronics, and Center of
Medical Equipment "Tehmed" of IAP of AS of RM. Organizational framework of IEEN consists of 4 scientific
laboratories with fundamental aspect and 1 laboratory of engineering design aimed at the elaboration of hightechnology devices and equipment, their implementation in industry, medicine, automated systems, and power and
ecological systems.
Basic objectives of the Institute's activities are:
Fundamental and applied scientific researches in the field of solid state electronics, technology and
engineering of materials and electronic devices, including nanodimensional researches;
Engineering of materials, structures, and electronic devices;
Elaboration of new methods and physical principles, technologies, and advanced products for national
economics;
Complex research of electromagnetic radiation influence on living bodies and applied biophysical
problems;
Design and development on the basis of the carried out scientific researches of high-technology devices
and equipment, their implementation in industry, medicine, agriculture, automated systems, computing,
power and ecological systems;
Formation of skilled human potential in the field of electronic engineering and advanced technologies for
solution of social-economic problems and creation of new jobs for highly trained specialists.
Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies D.Ghitu of the Academy of Sciences of the RM
will have the overall responsibility for the technical program, the working time-table, and the presentation of
progress reports to STCU in due time.
Scientific cooperation of the IEEN:
Institute for Advanced Sciences Convergence & Clean Water Institute NUARI (Herndon, USA)
Joint-stock company Stroiproject (Sofia, Bulgaria)
Black Sea branch of Ukrainian environmental Academy of Science (Odessa, Ukraine)

11

Special Service on Active Influences on Hydrometeorological Processes of the Republic of Moldova

(Chisinau, Moldova)
Joint-stock company Moldantigrad (Chisinau, Moldova)

Technological EDU. Institute of Serres (Serres, Greece)

Erstes Physikalisches Institut, Universitt Gttingen (Gttingen, Germany)
Institute of Nanotechnology (Karlsruhe, Germany)
Institut fr Physik, Universitt Augsburg (Augsburg, Germany)
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Zurich, Switzerland)
International Laboratory of High Magnetic Fields and Low Temperature (Wroclaw, Poland)
Lomonosov Moscow State University (Russia)
Institute of Solid State Physics (Chernogolovka, Russia)
Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry SB RAS (Novosibirsk, Russia)
Institute of Semiconductor Physics SB RAS (Novosibirsk, Russia)
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Dubna, Russia)
The IEEN possesses the entire required infrastructure to provide the proposed investigations: an
aerodynamical technological stand and characterization equipment, a workshop, computer equipment connected in
a network with Internet access.
For the implementation of the proposed project, the IEEN will form a new extended group, which will be
composed of specialists in physics of atmosphere, aerosols, optical measurements, automation of measurements and
data computer analysis. The kernel of the group researchers has experience in the field of testing of pyrotechnical
composition used for active influence for weather modification for hail suppression and rain enhancement.
The general management of the project will be carried out by Dr. E. Zasavitchi. For many years, he has been at
the head of a research program of impact on weather phenomena at IEEN. He has experience of management of
national projects and he is proved as the head who competently manages human and material resources. The project
manager will be responsible for coordination of the research activities, including managing the funds.
A. Chirita has over 20 years of scientific activity in optical and holographic information recording and
processing. His scientific interest lies in area of registration of information from micro objects by interferometry
and holography methods. He is advanced in design and assembly of optical registration systems and will be
responsible for design optical measurement system, which will be integrated with the climate chamber, for
determination of aerosol parameters.
A. Belenciuc and O. Sapoval will join this project from the group of aerosol injection metalorganic chemical
vapour deposition at IEEN. They will be responsible for the development and implementation of the experimental
procedures of aerosol testing by optical methods. Their skills in automation of measurements will be utilized for the
development of data acquisition, storage and processing. The analysis of experimental data, general conclusions
and preparation of reports and publications will be also included into the zone of their responsibility.
E.Potapov and I.Garaba have been engaged in studying the practical influence of aerosol generators on
meteorological processes for many years. Their experience in application of anti-hail rockets for active impact on
meteorological processes will play an important role in the development of new testing techniques and new
reagents.
Zasavitchi E., Canter V. and Sidorenko A. have experience in the search for economic partners, in the
execution of economic contracts and in the management of limited liability companies.
The team members are fluent in English, Russian, German and Romanian.
The staff qualification and the available equipment suggest that the objectives declared in the project proposal
will be executed. The solution of specific objectives of our project on research of highly effective aerosol
generators will be finally included into the wide action program on hail reduction and drought prevention.
Some of our recent publications in the field of weather modification problems, aerosol implementations, and
optical methods of particle detection are listed below.
1. GARABA, I.; POTAPOV, E.; SIDORENKO, A.; ZASAVITSKY, E. Basic Principles of the Technology
for Active Influence on Hail Processes in the Republic of Moldova. Journal of Environmental Protection
and Ecology. 2013, 14(1), 121-131. ISSN 1311-5065.
2. ZASAVITSKY, E., POTAPOV, E., GARABA, I., BEJENARU, S., KOROTKOVA, L., POPOVA, V.
Forecasting the type of precipitation from cumulonimbus clouds. Moldavian Journal of the Physical
Sciences, 2011, 11(3), 000-000. ISSN 1810-648X.
3. BURUNDUKOV, G. S., POTAPOV, E. I., GARABA, I. A., PLYUSNIN, S. D., ZASAVITSKII, E. A.,
ABSHAEV, M. T., ABSHAEV, A. M. Application of the objectresource development model to explain
evolution features of a convective cloud (convective cell), Russian Meteorology and Hydrology, 2011,
36(2), 134138 ISSN 1068-3739.
4. ZASAVITSKY, E.A.; The aerodynamic stand for research of ice-forming characteristics of reagents.
Moldavian Journal of the Physical Sciences. 2010, 9(2), 237-242. ISSN 1810-648X.

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5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.
11.

12.
13.

14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.

ABSHAEV, M.T.; ABSHAEV, A.M.; ZHEKAMUKHOV, M.K.; POTAPOV, E.I.; GARABA, I.A.;
ZASAVITSKY, E.A. Simulation of rocket seeding of convective clouds with coarse hygroscopic aerosol 2.
Condensation and coagulation processes in cloud zones seeded with hygroscopic particles. Moldavian
Journal of the Physical Sciences. 2010, 9(1), 123-131. ISSN 1810-648X.
BURUNDUKOV, G.S.; POTAPOV, E.I.; GARABA, I.A.; PLYUSNIN, S.D.; ZASAVITSKY, E.A.;
ABSHAEV, M.T.; ABSHAEV, A.M. Application of the object-resource system development model for
explanation of specific features of evolution of a convective cloud (convective cell). Moldavian Journal of
the Physical Sciences. 2009, 8(1), 107-113. ISSN 1810-648X.
ABSHAEV, M.T.; ABSHAEV, A.M.; SADYKHOV, YA.A.; BURUNDUKOV, G.S.; GARABA, I.A.;
ZASAVITSKY, E.A.; PLYUSNIN, S.D.; POTAPOV, E.I. Hail cloud seeding optimization on the basis of
theoretical research in spreading of crystallizing agents and their influence on cloud medium. Moldavian
Journal of the Physical Sciences. 2008, 7(3), 389-394. ISSN 1810-648X.
ABSHAEV, M.T.; ABSHAEV, A.M.; ZHEKAMUKHOV, M.K.; POTAPOV, E.I.; GARABA, I.A.;
ZASAVITSKY, E.A. Simulation of rocket seeding of convective clouds with coarse hygroscopic aerosol. I.
Condensation growth of cloud droplets on salt crystals. Moldavian Journal of the Physical Sciences. 2008,
7(2), 238-246. ISSN 1810-648X.
ZASAVITSKY, E.; KANTSER, V.; SIDORENKO, A.; GARABA, I.; POTAPOV, E.; KIM, N. Effect of
time on the properties of crystallization agents: ice-forming aerosols // ICNBME-2011, International
Conference on Nanotechnologies and Biomedical Engineering German-Moldovan Workshop on Novel
Nanomaterials for Electronic, Photonic and Biomedical Applications Chiinu, Republic of Moldova, July
7-8, 2011 , Proceedings. P. 117-120.
ZASAVITSKY, E. Investigation of ice-forming characteristics of reagents: effect of temperature on the
types of snow crystals // 6th International Conference on Materials Science and Condensed Matter Physics
(MSCMP 2012), September 11-14, 2012, Chisinau, Moldova: Abstracts. Ch., 2012. P.108.
SIDORENKO, A.; GARABA, I,; POTAPOV, E.; ZASAVITSKY, E. Advanced technology for active hall
suppression in the Republic of Moldova // Ecological Chemistry : The V Intern. Conf.-Symp., 60th
Anniversary of Academician, Professor Gheorghe Duca dedicated, 2-3 March 2012 : Abstr. Book. Ch.,
2012. P. 79.
SIDORENKO, A.; GARABA, I.; POTAPOV, E.; ZASAVITSKY, E. Advanced technology for active
influence on hail processes in the Republic of Moldova // International Conf. Environmental capacity
building 11th 13th November 2011, Program & proceedings book, Bucharest, Romania, 2011. P.42
ZASAVITSKY, E.A.; SIDORENKO, A.S. Technology of analysis of ice-forming characteristics of fullsize generators in dynamic conditions // International Conf. NANO-2011. Cooperation and networking of
universities and research institutes study by doing research. 6-9 October 2011, Program and Abstract
book, Chisinau, Moldova, 2011. P.38-39.
POTAPOV, E.; GARABA, I.; BEJENARU, S.; POPOVA, V.; COROTCOVA, L.; ZASAVITCHI, E. M
ethod for predicting the type of precipitation from cumulonimbus clouds. Inventor's certificate MD 4170
B1. Int. Cl. G01W 1/00, G01W 1/10, G01S 13/95.
ZASAVICHI, E.; EPTICHI, A.; CARAGHENOV, D.; KIM, N.; GARABA, I.; POTAPOV, E.
Laboratory bench for testing the antihail pyrotechnic compositions. Inventor's certificate MD 3898. Int. Cl.
A01G 15/00, G01M 9/06, G01M 9/02, G01N 33/22, F42B 15/10. 2009-05-30.
BELENCHUK A., SHAPOVAL O., SAMWER K. & MOSHNYAGA V. Aerosolerzeugerdse,
Aerosolerzeugersystem, Beschichtungssystem und Verfahren. Patent (Deutschland) DE 10 2007 055 936
A1 (2009).
BELENCHUK A., SHAPOVAL O., SAMWER K. & MOSHNYAGA V. Aerosol generator nozzle, Aerosol
generator system, Coating system and method. Patent (international) WO 2009/083194 A1 (2009).
A.CHIRITA, Real-time scaling of micro-objects by multiplexed holographic recording on photo-thermoplastic structure, Journal of Modern Optics, 2010, V.57, 854 858.
A.CHIRITA, N.KUKHTAREV, T.KUKHTAREVA, O.KORSHAK, V.PRILEPOV, I.JIDCOV, Holographic
imaging and interferometry with non-Bragg diffraction orders on volume and surface-relief gratings in
lithium niobate and photo-thermoplastic media, Journal of Modern Optics, v.59, N16, 1428-1433 (2012)
A.CHIRITA, F.DIMOV, S.PRADHAN, P.BUMACOD, O.KORSHAK, Real-time nano-seconds pulse
holograms recording on photo-thermoplastic media, Journal of Nanoelectronics and Optoelectronics, v.7,
N5, 415418, (2012)
A.CHIRITA, N.KUKHTAREV, O.KORSHAK, V.PRILEPOV, I. JIDCOV, Recording holograms of microscale objects in real time, Laser Physics, v.23, pp.036002-6, (2013)
A.CHIRITA, N.KUKHTAREV, T.KUCHTAREVA, S.GALLEGOS, Remote sensing and characterization
of oil on water using coherent fringe projection and holographic in-line interferometry, Optical
Engineering, v.52(3), pp.035601-5, (2013)
How does this project relate to our other work?

The current international projects of IEEN (www.nano.asm.md ):

13

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

FP7 MOLD-ERA Preparation for Moldova's integration into the European Research Area and into the
Community R&D Framework Programs on the basis of scientific excellence;
STCU #5373 Quantum electron transport in nanostructures for practical applications;
BLACK SEA BASIN 2007-2013 Research networking for the environmental monitoring and mitigation
of adverse ecological effects in the Black Sea Basin;
BLACK SEA BASIN 2007-2013 A Scientific Network for Earthquake, Landslide and Flood Hazard
Prevention SciNetNatHazPrev;
NATO Technical advances to detect and remove contaminants in water for safety and security.

Recently finished international projects of IEEN (www.nano.asm.md ):

1. STCU #5050 Quantum interference effects and thermoelectricity in semimetal nanowire;
2. STCU #5390 Metalorganic aerosol deposition of complex oxides with enhanced functionalities: atomicscale compositional tailoring.
3. DFG-foundation (Germany) Oscillatory and re-entrant phenomena in superconductor-ferromagnetnanostructured bilayers and applications to spin-valves;
4. Bilateral project Moldova Ukraine 10.820.05.08.UF Development of the manufacturing technique for
wire micro- and nanocrystals based on semiconductors and semimetals and study of their
magnetotransport properties under elastic strains to design strain and temperature sensing devices on their
basis;
5. Bilateral project Moldova Ukraine 10.820.05.09.UF Technology and physicochemical properties of thin
films and wires based on lead telluride for thermoelectric energy converters;
6. SCOPES IZ73Z0_127968 Functional nanowires;
7. Bilateral project Moldova Romnia 10.820.05.20 RoF Technology of ZnO obtaining by the
hydrothermal method and nanostructures based on zinc oxide for fabrication of optoelectronic devices.
V. Canter, A. Belenciuc, O. Sapoval and E. Zasavitchi were the main executors of the STCU project #5390
Metalorganic aerosol deposition of complex oxides with enhanced functionalities: atomic-scale compositional
tailoring. Subject of the project is closely linked to this project proposal, due to utilization of an aerosol
technology for the epitaxial growth of complex oxide thin films.
A. Chirita was participant of the joint international project CRDF MOP2-00-5069 (2007-2008) involved a
practical probation of the micro-object hologram recording methodology in Physical Optic Corporation (SUA,
2008) and of the volume holograms recording in Universite B.Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, (France, 2009). He also
was the main executor of the STCU project #5404.
1.16 Expected Results
What will be done in the framework of this project?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

As a result of the proposed project implementation, the following innovative outcomes are expected:
Development of a realistic aerosol testing technique based on the application of a small aerodynamic stand
equipped with new diagnostic methods by the simulation, under laboratory conditions, of the dynamic
characteristics that are similar to real ones while seeding hail clouds with reagents by the rocket technology.
Development of new optical methods for aerosol testing in dynamic conditions, which can also be applied for
different aerosol related technologies in various scopes of science and technics.
Understanding of fundamental mechanisms of crystallization occurring at the nucleation centers based on the
AgI reagent, which will allow more purpose-oriented searching for new pyrotechnic compositions for
suppressing processes of hazardous hail formation and for inducing additional precipitation.
Social and economic impacts of the new pyrotechnic composition testing technique will be consisted in an
operative assistance for special local protection services engaged in the protection of agriculture and
population against natural disasters, such as hail and drought.
New information on the development of pyrotechnic compositions will help to prevent destructive
consequences of atmospheric phenomena in other countries which are also exposed to hail and drought.
Whats next?

The main problem that will be solved after applying the new technology developed during the
implementation of the proposed project is the reliable and operative control of the pyrotechnic compounds used in
the rocket aerosol generators for protection of agricultural plants from hail and drought.
The economic advantages that can be obtained as a result of the project implementation consist in the
possibility of a precise determination of the number of rockets required for a specific operation of active influence
on clouds. This will give the possibility to enhance the economic efficiency and level of protection of agricultural
crops from hail damage as well as to prevent unfavorable consequences of drought.
The potential beneficiaries of this project are the following organizations and companies:

14

Specialized protection services engaged in the active influence on hydrometeorological processes in the
Republic of Moldova (The Special Service on Active Influences on Hydrometeorological Processes of the
Republic of Moldova, Joint-stock company Moldantigrad) and in the neighboring countries, among them
Romania (S.C. Electromecanica Ploiesti S. A.), Ukraine, Bulgaria (Stroiproject LTD), Russia (JSC Cheboksary
Production Assoiation n. a. V.I.CHAPAEV), Macedonia, and Greece.
In the future, going beyond this project, we intend to collaborate with potential partners in two main ways:
testing of pyrotechnic compositions on the basis of economic contracts;
transferring the developed technique of pyrotechnic composition characterization.
Taking into account that agricultural biotechnologies, soil fertility, and food security are the priority fields in
many international programs we hope to further associate with these ambitious programs. The project activities
will serve for the development of cooperation between the participants during the project action and in the future.
The dissemination and exploiting of the results will go through publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
and presenting results at international conferences. Some results will be also used for lecture courses for graduate
and post-graduate education.
1.17 Scope of Activities
How will the investigation be organized?
The project program will be organized in three interlinked workpackages named below as stages. The research
group will work as united and indivisible unit at all the stages of the project.
The first stage (Stage 1) will be focused on the modernization of the experimental complex of laboratory
equipment. The maximum of technical works will be done at this stage. Changes will concern both the small
aerodynamic stand and the climate camera. Modernization will make it possible to simulate, under laboratory
conditions, the dynamic characteristics similar to those that take place while seeding hail clouds with reagents by
the rocket technology. The technical part of optic methods of aerosol parameters measurements will be performed.
The main organizational and technical solutions of measurement techniques will be implemented.
The next two stages will be aimed to the experimental study of pyrotechnic compositions for seeding clouds.
During Stage 2 the group will be engaged in study of pyrotechnic compositions for seeding cold cumulonimbus
clouds. The main attention will be paid to the development of a testing technique for a reagent used in hail
suppression purposes. Stage 3 will be directed to studying of pyrotechnic compositions for seeding warm clouds.
The researchers will conduct the simulation of cumulonimbus clouds and reagents causing precipitation.
The main stages will be divided into 3 substages (SS) according to specifics of the proposed objectives.
The timetable of the project is presented in Table 1 as three slightly crossed phases. The initial Phase 1 deals
with a large number of primary technical works and the development of an experimental technique. It will
supposedly take 9 months of work. The main Phase 2 will be focused on the testing technique for aerosol
generators. The estimated duration of this phase is 12 months, but it can be extended to 15 months. During the final
Phase 3 the group will generalize experimental results and will continue, in case of need, the works on studying
pyrotechnic compositions.
Table 1 Gantt chart presents the timing of the project stages and subtasks
Stages

Substages
3

9
2

1. Modernization of the
experimental complex of
laboratory equipment

2. Experimental study of
pyrotechnic compositions for
seeding of cold cumulonimbus
clouds (hail suppression)
3. Experimental study of
pyrotechnic compositions for
seeding of warm clouds
(precipitation inducing)

months
1
1
5
8

2
1

2
4

1.1
1.2
1.3
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3

Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Short description of workpackeges is presented below.
Stage 1. Modernization of the experimental complex of laboratory equipment
We will begin with technical approach to project implementation. Our goal is to prepare the installation for the
operative tasting of efficiency of aerosol-forming pyrotechnical compositions.

15

SS 1.1. Modernization of the small aerodynamic stand and the cloud chamber
The extension of technical abilities of the aerodynamic stand and the climate chamber will be our first step in
the development of the testing technique. In addition, the equipment will be prepared for mounting sensors, inputoutput windows, and connectors necessary for the organization of measurements.
SS 1.2 Design of techniques for testing aerosols
The optical methods will be employed for the operative measurement of aerosol parameters directly in the
cloud chamber. The optic system will be adjusted according to specific parameters of aerosol forming reagents. The
existing imprint method will be used for the calibration of the optical method.
SS 1.3. Data acquisition, processing and analyzing
The works on the automation of experiment will be started parallel to the work on adaptation of optical
measurement system for testing aerosol. Experimental data acquisition and processing will be organized on the base
of a PC equipped with appropriate controllers. The specialized automation software will be adopted or modified to
experimental data analysis. The main focus of data analysis will be the determination of the effect of pyrotechnic
compositions on the cloud environment: the determination of the number of nucleation centers and their size
distribution. The examination of this phenomenon is very important not only for practical purposes for the hail
prevention service, but also for a better understanding of the processes of hail formation on the whole.
Stage 2. Experimental study of pyrotechnic compositions for seeding cold cumulonimbus clouds (hail
suppression)
The goal of this stage is to develop a testing technique for estimating the efficiency of aerosol generators
taking into account the specifics of potentially dangerous hail clouds.
SS 2.1. The development of a technique for testing pyrotechnic compositions used for hail suppression
The developed technique will be directed to all testing stages of rocket aerosol generators from the simulation
of rocket carrier fly conditions and to the determination of parameters of ice particles.
SS 2.2. Testing of pyrotechnic compositions used for hail suppression
The efficiency and yield of pyrotechnic compositions in the temperature interval corresponding to cold layers
of clouds (6 to 20C) will be determined. We will also determine the efficiency of pyrotechnical compositions
produced by different manufacturers both for commercial and for experimental purposes. We will pay more
attention to the rocket aerosol generators designed for artificial regulation of precipitation by Bulgarian company
Stroyproekt Ltd. The effect of different external factors will be investigated by modulation of environment
conditions. The results of investigation will be transferred to the national anti-hail service to be implemented in the
real work on weather modification. The exploring of the nucleation and growth of ice crystals will be important
fundamental part of this task.
SS 2.3. Generalization of experimental results of study of pyrotechnic compositions for seeding cold
cumulonimbus clouds (hail suppression)
During the testing of actual ice-forming reagents, the advantages and shortcomings of the developed testing
technique will be revealed. The aim of this step is not only analysis of the state-of-the-art of our technology, this
step will also include the publication of results and the formation of recommendation on the implementation of iceforming reagents.
Stage 3. Experimental study of pyrotechnic compositions for seeding warm clouds (precipitation inducing)
Further, the developed technique will be employed for reagents aimed at inducing artificial rainfall. This
direction is one of the major milestones of the project.
SS 3.1. The development of a technique for testing pyrotechnic compositions used for inducing
precipitation
The works on the development of a testing technique will start parallel to SS 2.1 and can be performed almost
at the same time. The changes related to specific features of warm clouds conditions will be introduced in the
testing technique for the determination of water drop parameters.
SS 3.2. Testing of pyrotechnic compositions used for precipitation inducing
The efficiency of different pyrotechnic compositions in the temperature interval corresponding to warm layers
of clouds (+3 to +120C) will be determined. As in SS 2.2, the considerable efforts will be focused on fundamental
understanding of precipitation formation processes.
SS 3.3. Generalization of experimental results of study of pyrotechnic compositions for seeding warm
clouds (precipitation inducing)
The goal of this step is to summarize all experimental results on testing the pyrotechnical compositions aimed
at increasing the amount of precipitation. The new experimental reagents and their aerosol generators will be
estimated. The results will be applied by the choosing optimal compositions of tested reagents for the following
reducing of unwanted effects of drought by inducing artificial precipitation.
Management and coordination of all project activities are an important part of work at all stages of the
project. The project manager will be responsible for the overall scientific, administrative, and financial
coordination of the project. The meetings of the working group will be held on regular basis. The project manager
will collect the detailed reports about all works at each stage and substage of the project implementation. In
accordance with obtained results, the strategy for the remaining term of the project will be revised and modified to
tune up the project scheduler for new circumstances. Seminars on urgent problems will be organized, too. Regular
consultations with foreign collaborators will be integral part of the project.

16

1.18 Technical Methodology

How will the science be done?
Our approach to the project implementation is presented in Diagram 1 as the solution to interlinked problems
that will result in the development of a dynamic technique for the reliable testing of full-size rocket aerosol
generators.
Two aspects of modernization of the installation will be strictly dominant: (1) the testing of full-size rocket
generators, and (2) the implementation of the real-time optical interferometry method for the determination of
aerosol parameters. Automation of measurements on the basis of corresponding sensors, controllers and specific
software will be an essential component of all technical parts of the project. The technique based on the use of a
small aerodynamic tube, which will be evolved under this project, will make it possible to obtain the most adequate
characteristics of the pyrotechnic compositions used for the active impacts on meteorological processes.
The concentration of aerosol microdroplets will be determined by optical dispersion of a monochromic laser
beam through the allocated volume of the testing chamber. The microdroplet sizes will be calculated using the
registration of particle images by interference fringe patterning. A high speed digital camera will allow us to record
fast real-time processes using the pulse mode of optic information recording. Pixel-by-pixel image processing by an
appropriate software will give the possibility to calculate micro-object dimensions from the known value of fringe
pattern period. The proposed optical interference method will be suitable for studying aerosol parameters both for
ice crystals and water droplets.
The developed laboratory method will make it possible to determine the efficiency of pyrotechnic
compositions for seeding cold cumulonimbus clouds (hail suppression) and pyrotechnic compositions for seeding
warm clouds (precipitation inducing).

An international team of experts will be gathered in order to achieve the objectives of this project. The
members of the expert team will have mutual complementary backgrounds, previous experience of joint
cooperation, and important publications related directly to the project scope of investigations. The verification of
the elaborated technique will be done by parallel investigations of the same pyrotechnic compositions in other
laboratories by alternative methods, for example, by a static mode in the National Institute of Meteorology and
Hydrology, Plovdiv, Bulgaria). The strong involving of international participants in this project will allow us to
embed our scientific work into a network of common efforts focused on the smart impact on weather phenomena.
1.19 Sustainability Planning
Which Market will we study?
The scientific aspect of the project belongs to the physics of clouds, which is studying processes of ice crystal
and water droplet nucleation. Physics of clouds and active influences on weather, as a branch of modern science,
have a great value to society. This problem has become especially important in the recent years due to global
climate changes. Our activity on the development of artificial influences on clouds in order to increase rainfall and
hail prevention is governed by emergency for the further improvement of the impact efficiency.

17

The testing technology that will be developed in the framework of this project is addressed to all organizations
engaged in the weather influencing problems. After the completion of the project, the development of a complete
version of the installation and the testing technology for pyrotechnic compositions on its basis, our activities will be
focused on two main directions. First, we will collaborate with the specialized services engaged in active impacts
on hydrometeorological processes. The second direction is the collaboration with manufacturers of pyrotechnic
compositions and rocket aerosol generators intended for impacting on atmospheric processes.
An important part of this project is the implementation of optical methods for the determination of aerosol
parameters. A lot of various industrial technologies currently now involve aerosols for different purposes. The
measurement of aerosol properties is a necessary prerequisite in many areas of scientific research and engineering
applications. We hope that the obtained results will be useful for both commercial companies and scientific
organizations that use aerosols in technological purposes. As an example of a relevant technology, we can mention
the aerosol assisted deposition of functional materials for electronics, which is related to the main activities of
IEEN in the domain of materials engineering.
What is our specific market research objective?
In the Republic of Moldova we will continue to collaborate with the Special Service on Active Influences on
Hydrometeorological Processes of the Republic of Moldova. We will intend to establish relationships with the
manufacturers of pyrotechnic compositions and rockets used in the practice of active influences on atmospheric
processes (Joint-stock company Moldantigrad(Moldova), Stroiproject LTD (Bulgaria), JSC Cheboksary
Production Assoiation n. a. V.I.CHAPAEV (Russia), S.C. Electromecanica Ploiesti S. A. (Romania)). Of special
interest for our collaborations will be the cases of insufficient effect of the impact on meteorological processes,
because the manufactures are highly interested in the elucidation of the reasons that lead to negative results due to
the quality of pyrotechnic compositions.
We anticipate that the obtained results will be used in other technologies that use aerosols in technological
processes, for example, in the technique focused on the atomic-scale engineering of thin film nanostructures,
Metalorganic Aerosol Deposition (MAD), which was developed in our project STCU #5390. Erstes Physikalisches
Instutut Uni-Goettingen (Germany) has a permanent interest in the further development of the MAD technique and
intends to collaborate with our group in the introduction of real-time optical methods for aerosol testing.
At present, the laboratory of environmental physics of IEEN performs all the works on the development of
experimental pyrotechnic compositions on a contract basis; however, according to the framework of development
of IEEN, this direction will be partly included into the state research program.
What are we going to do?
The existing relationships with the organizations engaged in active influence on meteorological processes and
the manufacturers of anti-hail products and tools for inducing precipitation will be consolidated on the basis of new
testing technology. Further we plan to expand collaboration using a variety of methods (Internet, phone calls, faceto-face meetings, international conferences, tradeshows, email, databases) with different companies and
organizations interested in the study of aerosols used not only to influence the meteorological processes, but also in
other technological processes. We also intend to participate in international exhibitions held in Moldova (e.g.,
exhibition INFOINVENT organized by THE STATE AGENCY ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF THE
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA) and in other countries (Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Geneva, etc.).
Activities in market investigation will be one of the main duties of Dr. Zasavitsky E. and Corr. Mem.
Sidorenko A. The national and international scientific community and representatives of the political and
administrative power engaged in the solution of problems of consequences of weather scourges (hail and drought)
will be informed about our activity during face-to face meetings organized in the Republic of Moldova.
What will result?
The final results of the project #5841 Dynamic testing of full-size rocket aerosol generators utilized for
impacting on atmospheric processes, which are important for marketing, will be the following:
1. Scientific papers, conference presentations, one or two patents.
2. A working laboratory installation for dynamic testing of full-size rocket aerosol generators with the
possibility of performing a comprehensive study of aerosol and automated data acquisition and
processing.
3. A marketing brochure that will describe the new testing technology and its potential for the
characterization of pyrotechnical compositions used for the impact on atmospheric processes.
4. A brief report, a Power Point presentation, and a brief description of the project results on the website of
the Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnology "D.Ghitu" of ASM.

18

PARTICIPATING INSTITUTION CONCURRENCE

Project Title:
Dynamic testing of full-size rocket aerosol generators utilized for impacting on atmospheric processes
Participating Institution:
Name:
Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnology "D.Ghitu" of ASM
Address:
Moldova, Chisinau, Academiei, 3/3
Tel:
(+373.22) 73 71 97
Fax:
(+373.22) 73 70 88
E-mail:
efim@nano.asm.md , efimzasavitsky@gmail.com
has reviewed the above project proposal and fully accepts the goals and activities described in it.
We acknowledge that:
Project support from the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) will be subject to the relevant
conditions required by the Agreement Establishing the STCU, the STCU's Statute, decisions of its
Governing Board, and by a project agreement that this institution may enter into with the STCU.
The main personnel of project during 1980-1990 carried out scientific research ordered from MilitaryIndustrial Complex of the former USSR.
During execution of project all information will not violate any national security restrictions.
In accordance with Article VIII of the STCU Agreement, project recipients will give to the Center and to each
Party which wholly or partly finances a project the right of access to carry out on-site monitoring and audit
of all activities of the project. Project participants shall have the right to protect those portions of facilities
that are not related to the project.
The rights for intellectual property are regulated by the laws of Ukraine and the procedures developed by the
STCU.
The following estimated cost is correct.
Cost Estimate (in US dollars)
Grant Payments
Equipment
Materials
Other Direct Costs
Travel
Overhead
Total: STCU Financing Requested

Year 1
16400
5300
1180
0
5570
0
28450

Year 2
16160
0
550
0
4840
0
21550

Name and signature of individual authorized

to make commitments on behalf of Institution:

Institution Project Leader:

Name:

Name:

Sidorenko Anatolie Sergei

Signature:
Position:

Year 3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Total
32560
5300
1730
0
10410
0
50000

Zasavitchi Efim Alexei

Signature:
Director

Position:

Chief Laboratory

Stamp Place

19