Shuttle Contamination Modeling: The Plasma Wave Field of Spacecraft.
Abstract
We investigate the behavior of waves and shock-like disturbances produced by the interaction of spacecraft with the plasma environment. We find that (1) there are tree ranges of wave frequency for which waves can propagate to large distances from the spacecraft, (2) that waves in these frequency ranges are confined to propagate within specific ranges of directions, and (3) that it is possible for these waves to form shocks. Approximate analytic solutions are given to describe the behavior of waves and shocks of spacecraft origin. The waves that are important to these phenomena can be classed as Alfven, whistler, and upper hybrid waves. While we believe it unlikely to occur, we have identified analystically those conditions necessary for extremely rapid spatial wave growth near the spacecraft. Keywords include: Shock waves, Alfven waves, Whistler waves, Upper hybrid waves, and Plasma waves.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 22, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA166605
Entities
People
- Michael Heinemann
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory