MILLIMETER TECHNIQUE EVALUATION OF GUIDANCE DATA ATTENUATION BY EXHAUST PLUMES,
Abstract
Maintaining reliable communications between a missile in flight and ground-based communications equipment becomes more crucial as systems concepts and techniques advance, and electromagnetic environment increases in complexity. A major difficulty encountered is signal loss caused by the ionization characteristics of the rocket exhaust (plasma). Many developmental systems, whether employing small or large motors, are affected. The interaction of a plasma with an electromagnetic wave is related to three essential parameters: (1) the collision frequency of free electrons with neutral particles, (2) the free electron density, and (3) the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. The propagation constant is a function of the attenuation constant and the phase constant which are related to the three parameters. An analysis of these parameters is essential understanding signal propagation through a plasma. By measuring the attenuation constant and phase constant at selected frequencies, the collision frequency, and the electron density may be determined. An analysis of these results indicates which types of propellants render good propagation characteristics. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 25, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0426419
Entities
People
- Augustus H. Green Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Aviation and Missile Command