Scattering Measurements and Predictions for a Delta Stage II Rocket Nozzle
Abstract
The interaction between electromagnetic waves and cavities often exhibits very distinguishable scattering patterns. One method for extracting information from the scattered field is to form a radar image. This technique is very useful if the frequency of the incident field is not near a resonance of the cavity. One of the distinguishing features in an image of a cavity is a return that is visible downrange from the entrance of the cavity. This extended return is the result of energy trapped inside the cavity that later exits toward the radar. By measuring the characteristics of this extended return it may be possible to determine information about the cavity. In order to study the phenomenology of scattering from cavities, this report examines a common geometry--a rocket nozzle. Rocket nozzles are commonly found on tumbling rocket bodies that are left in an earth orbit. At times it is useful to try to determine the condition, or shape/size, of a rocket nozzle on a tumbling rocket body. To derive such information, an understanding must be developed of how radar energy scatters from such nozzles. This report will examine the scattering from a non conic rocket nozzle and address the question of estimating the shape of the nozzle from measurements made from radar images. The predicted location and intensity of the scattered field are compared with those measured from a radar image.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 03, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA246776
Entities
People
- Thomas G. Moore
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology