Shuttle contamination modeling :
the plasma wave field of spacecraft /
Michael Heinemann.

Description

Main Author

Heinemann, Michael.

Related Names

U.S. Air Force Geophysics Laboratory.

Language(s)

English

Published

Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts : Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, Air Force Systems Command, United States Air Force, 1985.

Subjects

Space vehicles > Space vehicles / Contamination > Space vehicles / Contamination / Mathematical models.
Space environment.
Shock waves.
Plasma waves.
Plasma (Ionized gases)
Mathematical analysis.
Space vehicles > Space vehicles / Contamination > Space vehicles / Contamination / Mathematical models.
Mathematical analysis.
Space environment.
Plasma (Ionized gases)
Plasma waves.
Shock waves.

Summary

We investigate the behavior of waves and shock-like disturbances produced by the interaction of spacecraft with the plasma environment. We find that (1) there are tree ranges of wave frequency for which waves can propagate to large distances from the spacecraft, (2) that waves in these frequency ranges are confined to propagate within specific ranges of directions, and (3) that it is possible for these waves to form shocks. Approximate analytic solutions are given to describe the behavior of waves and shocks of spacecraft origin. The waves that are important to these phenomena can be classed as Alfven, whistler, and upper hybrid waves. While we believe it unlikely to occur, we have identified analystically those conditions necessary for extremely rapid spatial wave growth near the spacecraft. Keywords include: Shock waves, Alfven waves, Whistler waves, Upper hybrid waves, and Plasma waves.

Note

Research supported by the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, United States Air Force, Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts.
Space Physics Division Project 7661.
ADA166605 (from http://www.dtic.mil).
"22 November 1985."

Physical Description

iv, 38 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm.

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