Electromagnetic wave scattering characteristics of plasma plumes

The FLUENT fluid simulation software was used to numerically simulate the flow field structure and electron density distribution of a rocket plume at the jet port of a rocket thruster under varying pressure and initial temperature conditions. The resulting variation in electron density within the rocket plume's flow field with respect to pressure and initial temperature was analyzed, leading to the development of an electromagnetic scattering characteristic model for the rocket plume. Radar cross sections (RCS) were then compared and calculated for the rocket thruster, single jet plume, and double jet plume. The findings indicate that RCS increases with higher jet pressure, while changes in initial temperature have minimal impact on RCS. Furthermore, compared to a single jet, a double jet configuration results in a larger RCS value with more frequent oscillations.