Predicting RF Attenuation and Radar Cross Section Returns for High Fidelity 3D Missile Plumes and Hypersonic Wakes with Hardbody Interaction

Current lower fidelity modeling of radio frequency (RF) attenuation and radar cross section (RCS) of rocket plumes and reentry vehicle wakes using engineering correlations or 2D, axisymmetric, steady state computational tools to represent flowfield physics and electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation provide insufficient estimates of signal attenuation/augmentation under realistic flight scenarios. Proposed is the development of a high-fidelity capability adding three-dimensionality, unsteadiness, and improved understanding of flowfield physics using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to provide a rapid and accurate estimate of current/future Missile Defense Agency (MDA) target’s RF attenuation and RCS associated with missile exhaust plumes and hypersonic re-entry vehicle plasma. New technology will provide predictive RF signatures necessary for understanding MDA defense systems prior to development or test, as well as insight during post-test analysis. Innovation will be achieved through improving CFD software and its automated packages, the Rocket Plume Flowfield Module (RPFM3D) and the Re-Entry Vehicle Flowfield Module (RVFM3D), to more accurately model electrically conducting rocket plumes and hypersonic wakes with hardbody, and subsequently apply advanced EM modeling software to accurately represent RF signatures. Both CFD and EM modeling tools will be applied using higher fidelity modeling and dimensionality, with rapid automation for production level work, while accurately representing flight test or experimental lab data. The result of this effort will be a fast-running CFD tool that couples with RF signatures tools to significantly improve predictions of rocket plumes and hypersonic wakes across a flight trajectory. Approved for Public Release | 25-MDA-12220 (23 Sep 25)