Rotational excitation of hydrogen molecules by hydrogen atoms

The contribution of collisions with hydrogen atoms to the rotational excitation of hydrogen molecules may be expected to be important in partially dissociated molecular gas. We have computed cross-sections for collisionally induced transitions between low-lying rotational levels in the vibrational ground state of H-2. The quantum mechanical coupled channels method was employed, in association with two recent and independent calculations of the H-H-2 interaction potential. The results are compared and discussed, and recommended values of the corresponding rate coefficients are tabulated.