A Study of Electromagnetic Wave Interactions with Air Plasmas
Abstract
An experimental study was performed to study the effect of thin plasma layers upon the transmission characteristics of low and high power microwave transmission. A high performance shock tube using dry air as the test gas was used to generate the plasma. Plasma conditions were established to simulate the reentry environment encountered during the terminal phases of a slender reentry vehicle. Flush mounted X band waveguide aperture antennas or special H-plane horn antennas were used to launch and detect the microwave signals. Thin plasma layers were cut from the shock-generated plasma using sharp-edged ground planes mounted inside the shock tube. Initial shock tube pressures were established at 5.0 torr or 10.0 torr while the shock velocities were varied to produce electron densities of 10 to the 11th power - 10 to the 14th power/cu. cm. Diagnostic measurements were performed with various flush mounted electrostatic probes, stagnation point electrostatic probe, and supporting static pressure gages.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA016449
Entities
People
- William H. Rudderow
Organizations
- Vought