SBIR-STTR Award

Systems & Processes Engineering Corporation proposes an integrated solution for radio communication for both GPS and bidirectional command and control communications with a satellite from a plasma enveloped hypersonic vehicle. Our proposed novel antenna design uses a constant magnetic field to induce Hall effect plasma separation. This electromagnetic plasma separation is combined with the RF field to induce a Ponderomotive effect, which further enhances antenna effectiveness by clearing out electrons in front of the antenna. The Phase I program will be supported by the Texas A&M hypersonic engineering team under direction of Dr. Tichenor, who will perform both hypersonic electromagnetics and Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling and analysis in support of the system design. This modeling and analysis effort by Texas A&M will be conducted in conjunction with finite element RF modeling of the plasma, vehicle surface and antenna, which will be performed by SPECs RF engineering staff. The separation of the plasma for the small GPS antenna is relatively straight forward, while the high gain antenna necessary for satellite communications is more challenging. Current drones use large 24 to 30 inch high gain Ku band antennas, which cannot be used on hypersonic vehicles. Instead, our proposed baseline antenna design uses a phased array composed of transmit and receive patch elements separated into rows along the outside of the vehicles body. In this concept the plasma electrons are forced into rivulets with low electron concentrations along the antenna rows interspersed by rows of high electron/ion concentration. The DC magnetic field and RF clearing field then form a resonate structure in the plasma, which is maintained along the flow direction length of the antenna. During the program, the laser cooling arc plasma (LCAP) effect will also be explored as an adjunct effect.

Benefit:
The development of antenna systems for radio communications with a hypersonic vehicle, especially the phased array antenna for satellite communications responds to a wide variety of defense, aerospace and commercial applications. This R&D program addresses critical national priorities for communications with hypersonic vehicles, while also responding to evolving aerospace and commercial markets for small airborne and satellite platforms. To fully develop these markets, SPEC has formed Multi Dimensional Systems, a SPEC division dedicated to the development and commercialization of hardened, sensor and communications payloads, integrated systems, and testing capabilities for hypersonic vehicles.

Keywords:
Ponderomotive Effect, Ponderomotive Effect, hypersonic vehicle, RF Transmission, Plasma Separation, Hypersonic Communications Sensor, Laser Cooling Arc Plasma

During the successful Phase I program, Systems & Processes Engineering Corporation (SPEC) demonstrated, through modeling, the potential to significantly increase transmission through a hypersonic plasma layer by utilizing a combination of novel approaches. Current drones use large 24 to 30 inch high gain Ku band antennas, which cannot be used on hypersonic vehicles. Instead, our proposed baseline antenna design uses a phased array composed of transmit and receive patch elements separated into rows along the outside of the vehicles body. Plasma electrons are forced into rivulets with low electron concentrations along the antenna rows interspersed by rows of high electron/ion concentration. The DC magnetic field and RF clearing field then form a resonate structure in the plasma, which is maintained along the flow direction length of the antenna. The proposed Phase II technical effort builds upon the comprehensive modeling, analysis and trades studies conducted in Phase I to experimentally demonstrate prototype performance in a high enthalpy hypersonic environment. The Phase II technical objectives are configured to demonstrate, through analysis and prototype fabrication, the S- band ponderomotive electron sweeper, permanent magnet electron stabilizer and phased array satellite communications antenna design. The prototype systems will then be experimentally tested in a relevant Mach 6.6 high-enthalpy environment: single patch first, row second and full phased array third to demonstrate innovative solutions for efficient radio communications with a hypersonic vehicle for both GPS and for a phased array satellite communication antenna array in the 7.25 to 8.4 GHz band. Hypersonic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the near-wall boundary layer will be verified over the vehicle surface to support the evaluation of: antenna performance though the plasma layer, transmissivity through the plasma, and S-band Ponderomotive effectiveness in reducing electron density. The prototype antenna design, fabrication, integration, and test will be matured during the proposed Phase II effort. The prototypes will be exhaustively tested in a high enthalpy hypersonic facility wind tunnel at Texas A&M University (TAMU), under the direction of Dr. Tichenor. The Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel (HXT) housed within the TAMU National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonics Laboratory (NAL) will produce true Mach 6.6 flight enthalpies, enabling verification of the RF transmissivity through the hypersonic plasma layer. The proposed Phase II Program Plan focuses on the development of the antenna, ponderomotive-based plasma electron sweeper, and rare-earth magnet electron stabilizer assembly. The work plan is a logical, chronological progression, which will result in a verified and demonstrated design and delivery of operational phased array satellite communications system prototypes that can operate through plasma at Mach 6.6.

Benefit:
The development of antenna systems for radio communications with a hypersonic vehicle, especially the phased array antenna for satellite communications responds to a wide variety of defense, aerospace and commercial applications. This Phase II program addresses critical national priorities for communications with hypersonic vehicles, while also responding to evolving aerospace and commercial markets for small airborne and satellite platforms. To fully develop these markets, SPEC has formed Multi Dimensional Systems, a SPEC division dedicated to the development and commercialization of hardened, sensor and communications payloads, integrated systems, and testing capabilities for hypersonic vehicles. The Phase II/III technology and products developed on this program will provide Hypersonic Vehicle RF Communications capabilities that will benefit all Naval and DoD stakeholders and customers of the Navys Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) Program and ultimately the Navys OPNAV customers with the development, test and operational deployment of conventional hypersonic capability in accordance with national policy. Our transition plan is already underway and is centered on our relationship with Lockheed Martin, the Navys CPS Prime Contractor, and on the Navys Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), CPS Program Offices mission and the following Primary Navy Customers: OPNAV; US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM); PEO (SUB); PEO (Ships); and the U.S. Army.

Keywords:
Ponderomotive Effect, Hypersonic Communications Sensor, RF Transmission, hypersonic vehicle, Plasma Separation, Laser Cooling Arc Plasma