Missile Plume Signature Simulation Using Spherical UV-IR Source Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current missile simulation technologies face challenges in accurately replicating the complex irradiance signature of a rocket plume, which is influenced by temperature, composition, and atmospheric conditions, due to the presence of supersonic shock waves and varying spectral emissions.
Innovation Solution
The use of an emitting structure comprising ultraviolet and infrared radiation sources positioned along a spherical shell, controlled by a computer system to simulate the irradiance signature of a missile plume, accounting for relative location, missile type, and operating conditions, to generate a radiation pattern that mimics the plume's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex spectral emissions from supersonic shock waves and varying plume conditions are simulated, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system divides the complex plume radiation into separate spectral components using multiple independent light sources. Each light source (UV LED, visible LED, IR LED) targets specific wavelength ranges corresponding to different plume emission mechanisms, allowing complex spectral characteristics to be constructed from simpler individual sources positioned at different locations on the spherical shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical shell structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions multiple light sources in three-dimensional space, provides a geometric reference for angular distribution, and enables comprehensive coverage of detection angles. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to simulate complex plume characteristics.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple radiation sources are positioned along a three dimensional boundary to replicate plume characteristics, then simulation accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical shell geometry to position multiple light sources along a three-dimensional boundary. This spherical configuration naturally provides uniform angular distribution and simplifies the mathematical description of source positions using spherical coordinates (radius, polar angle, azimuthal angle), making manufacturing and calibration more systematic compared to arbitrary three-dimensional arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified optical copy of the complex plume radiation field using discrete light sources positioned on the spherical shell. Rather than attempting to physically replicate the entire plume structure and its supersonic shock waves, the invention copies the essential spectral and angular characteristics using manageable light source arrangements that can be manufactured and calibrated more easily.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ultraviolet and infrared radiation sources are used to cover multiple wavelengths, then spectral coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system employs periodic or pulsed operation of multiple light sources rather than continuous operation. The controller activates UV, visible, and IR LED sources in sequences corresponding to different detection wavelengths of interest, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive spectral coverage capability when needed for simulation accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively simulates the irradiance signature of a missile plume, enhancing the accuracy of missile detection systems by replicating the complex spectral and spatial characteristics of the plume, thereby improving detection precision and reducing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
each of which includes at least one ultraviolet radiation source and at least one infrared radiation source
Implementation Method 2
Generally, a plume can be considered as a black body radiating source with a spectral distribution characterized by the plume's temperature
Implementation Method 3
spectral lines due to chemical combustion of propellants can superimpose on the infrared spectra. The molecules responsible for most of the gas thermal emissions in missile exhaust plumes are water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as formation of electronically excited hydroxyl (OH) and carbon monoxide (CO) in the chemiluminescence process
Data Source
AI summary
An emitting structure for simulating an irradiance signature of a missile is provided. The emitting structure includes one or more radiation sources, each of which includes at least one ultraviolet radiation source and at least one infrared radiation source. The emitting structure also includes a spherical shell and a mechanism for positioning the radiation source(s) along a three dimensional boundary of the spherical shell. The emitting structure can locate and operate one of the radiation sources to simulate the irradiance signature of the missile.