Backward Scattering Characteristics of a Reentry Vehicle Enveloped by a Hypersonic Flow Field

Abstract

The hypersonic flow field around a reentry vehicle has a significant influence on the ground-vehicle communication as well as on the detection and recognition of the reentry vehicle. Backward scattering characteristics of a reentry vehicle enveloped by a hypersonic flow field are analyzed using a high-order auxiliary differential equation finite difference time-domain (ADE-FDTD) method in this paper. Flow field parameters, including electron density, neutral particle density, and temperature, are obtained by solving the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations numerically. According to the flow field parameters, distributions of the plasma frequency and the collision frequency are then derived. Based on a validity of the physical model and the high-order ADE-FDTD method, backward radar cross sections (RCSs) of a perfect electrical conductor (PEC) sphere enveloped by a hypersonic flow field under different Mach numbers, heights, and incident angles of the electromagnetic (EM) wave are then investigated. Numerical results show that the incident angle of the EM wave exerts noticeable effects on the backward RCS, which is due to an inhomogeneous distribution of the plasma. The flight height and Mach number have significant influences on the distribution of the plasma that they play an important role in the variation of the RCSs. The results presented in this paper provide useful reference data for practical tests in ballistic range or in the high-frequency plasma wind tunnels, where a sphere target is usually used due to its simple shape.