Development and Diagnostic of a Localized Microwave/rf Plasma for Shock Wave Propagation Study

The current research effort extends the previous shock wave propagation measurements into localized microwave/rf plasmas with a greater ionization fraction compared to glow discharges. The electrodeless microwave configuration is suited for the high altitude supersonic flight application of plasmas. The research has a strong high-speed aerodynamics component. The decrease in shock strength in plasma presents a means of aerodynamic drag reduction, and thus improving supersonic flight characteristics by modifying the gas fluid through which the flight occurs. If an electronically conducting medium could be introduced upstream of a vehicle's bow shock wave, this will have a potential for improved high speed flight.