Speaker
Description
Insight on the plasma properties of high-speed ionized flows is key for the validation of predictive aerothermodynamic tools for atmospheric entry applications. Namely, plasma radiation will be highly dependent on the flow electron densities. We propose a novel reflectrometry/interferometry instrument specifically tailored for atmospheric entry applications.
The state-of-the-art of reflectometer equipped re-entry missions is assessed with particular attention to NASA’s RAM-C II flight. A revision of microwave plasma diagnostics for ground-tests facilities was also carried out. Technical requirements and architecture of a reflectometry/interferometry equipment tailored for both ground-test facilities (shock-tubes and plasma wind-tunnels) and flight experiments are proposed.
A simulation of electromagnetic environment for the RAM-C flight experiment, obtained using a CFD code coupled to an electromagnetic propagation code is presented, outlining the adequacy of such a diagnostic for improving verification and validation for high-speed entry plasma flows.
Summary
This work presents a proposed reflectometry/interferometry equipment for measuring electron density both in-situ and in ground test facilities. Integration of CFD and EM propagation numerical codes results are also shown.