Calculated electron number density profiles for the aeroassist flight experiment

摘要: Basic features of a Microwave Reflectometer lonization Sensor (MRIS) as designed for use on the Aeroassist Flight Experiment are described. The MRIS is to measure distances into shock layer four critical electron number densities corresponding frequencies (20, 44, 95, and 140 GHz). A parametric study effects trajectory several thermochemical nonequilibrium models reaction rates, translational vibrational-electronic energy exchange average electronic excitation level atoms, axisymmetric vs three-dimensional conducted evaluating contributions code validation process. study, implemented with Langley Aerpthermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm program, reveals particular sensitivity onset severity an avalanche phenomena associated changes in these physical that lead strong electron-impact ionization. Predicted density profiles sensitive reasonable variations certain kinetic models; consequently, measurements could assist