Basics in Beamed MW Energy Deposition for Flow/Flight Control

Abstract

Present investigation is focused on formulation of valid and realistic physical basis in exploration of the challenging phenomenon in plasma aerodynamics - interference of MW discharge with gas dy namic structures in supersonic flow. We now distinguish three basic phenomena, reflecting the main features of such interference. These phenomena - drag reduction via discharge -induced vortex creation in a shock layer, regular -Mach discharge -induced transi tion in intersecting shocks and radical change in flow separation in streamlining of spike -tipped bodies through discharge -affecting of viscous interaction - cover the most impressive areas of plasma aerodynamics and at the same time form its basis. Each o f these examples demonstrates wide abilities of MW energy deposition method and presents the complicated physics, which is not fully understood yet. Also discharge structure plays a key role in effective interaction with gas dynamic discontinuities. The pa rameters of MW plasmoid internal structure are quantified, the principle of information extraction from spectra of strongly inhomogeneous plasma objects is proposed. Discharge performance requirements are formulated. Beamed energy deposition as a principle tool for plasma aerodynamic phenomena realization seems both claimed and inherent and in general demands application combined MW and laser techniques.