Radiation from High Altitude Bow Shocks and Missile Plumes

The goal of this research is to improve our basic understanding of how and when radiation is emitted as high-speed objects pass through the atmosphere at high altitude. The motivation for these studies is provided by the fact that these emissions represent a convenient, observable phenomenon for identification and detection of hostile missiles.

The physical characteristics of these flows consist of high speeds (e.g. 5 km/sec) and low densities. Under these conditions, a strong degree of thermal and chemical nonequilibrium prevails. A particle technique called the direct simulation Monte Carlo method (DSMC) is applied to simulate these flows. Models are under development to more accurately simulate the chemical reactions and radiation that occur in these flows. The models are assessed through comparison with data measured in previous flight experiments. Radiation modeling is being conducted in collaboration with the Institute for Defense Analyses. Chemistry modeling is being pursued in collaboration with the University of Minnesota.

Investigators

Acknowledgment

This work is funded by the Army Research Office.

Publications

 

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