Abstract :
The small arrival-angle loss mechanism, associated with a typical high electron-density rocket exhaust jet has been modelled using an approximate scalar, ´effective diffracting surface´, description. It contrasts with GTD descriptions using ´equivalent´ diffracting objects in that its ray-optic basis accounts for changes in the intensity distribution within a diffuse region surrounding the geometrical shadow. Diagnostic information on broad features of jet structure, which can facilitate noninvasive validation of models of the jet structure, have been identified within the diffracted field.
Keywords :
electromagnetic wave diffraction; electromagnetic wave propagation in plasma; losses; plasma jets; X-band signal loss; diagnostic elements; diffracted field; diffuse region; effective diffracting surface; geometrical shadow; high electron-density; intensity distribution; loss mechanism; plasma jets; ray-optic basis; rock exhaust-jet structure; small arrival-angle;
