A Simple Method for Predicting RF Attenuation Through a Rocket Exhaust Plume

Abstract

A simple method for predicting radio frequency signal attenuation through a rocket exhaust plume has been developed. A theoretical model development suitable for a writing a computer code to predict line-of-sight RF signal attenuation is presented. The model consists of seven calculation steps: 1. Nozzle exhaust conditions. 2. Correction for non-optimal nozzle expansion. 3. Plume inviscid core flow field. 4. Plume mixing/afterburning region flow field. 5. Plume electron and neutral body density field. 6. Electron-neutral body collision frequency. 7. Radio frequency transmission loss. The model uses many simplifying assumptions and represents the least complex approach available. The model is appropriate only for static-fired motors or low altitude, low Mach number flight profiles.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 05, 1997
Accession Number
ADA443181

Entities

People

  • L. G. Mcmillion

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ablative Materials
  • Alkali Metals
  • Attenuation
  • C Programming Language
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Electron Density
  • Exhaust Gases
  • Exhaust Plumes
  • Gases
  • Heat Capacity
  • Mach Number
  • Radio Frequency
  • Rocket Exhaust

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Rocket Propulsion.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics