Ram Effect in Sounding Rockets

Abstract

When a conducting body moves through a plasma, it collects charges. When the conductor has reached its floating potential the collection rates at the front and back differ and a current flows through the conductor. This "ram current" if measured may provide a simple way of determining the ambient ion density.The "ram current" is examined and the equations derived are used to calculate ion densities from a rocket flight.Simplifying assumptions and errors in the technique are discussed.