Analysis of Magnetic Field Effects on Radio Signal Propagation Through Hypersonic Layer Plasma

When sufficient energy is gained in hypersonic flows, a plasma layer is formed near the surface which results in significant reflection and absorption of propagating radio waves. This study investigates the use of a magnetic window approach to mitigate hypersonic radio blackout. By altering the refractive index, the applied magnetic field causes the plasma layer to become transparent to radio wave propagation, depending on the magnetic field strength, signal frequency, and plasma frequency. This study uses a combined approach which integrates computational fluid dynamics, geometric optics and the scattering matrix method to characterize wave propagation, including resonance regimes, as a function of signal frequency, altitude, and Mach number. These findings offer guidelines for the use of the magnetic window approach to mitigate hypersonic radio blackout.