Effect of Plasma Sheath Velocity on Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves

Abstract

Hypersonic velocities can theoretically affect the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a plasma sheath covering a vehicle. This article is the continuation of our previous study and, for the first time, investigates the reflection characteristics of electromagnetic waves by a moving bounded plasma slab and examines five typical plasma parameters in detail when the plasma moves parallel to the interface. The results show that the motion of the plasma slab significantly affects electromagnetic propagation, and the reflection coefficient oscillates with the velocity of the plasma sheath. In addition, different physical parameters cause different oscillation characteristics. Various interesting features of the reflection coefficient are obtained, which are very important for researching the propagation of electromagnetic waves in this extreme physical environment or providing reference for researching ''blackouts'' in the future. INDEX TERMS Electromagnetic waves, moving nonuniform bounded plasma, reflection coefficient.