Plasma Motions Induced by Satellites in the Ionosphere

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Abstract
The electrohydrodynamic phenomena associated with the high-velocity motion of a charged body in a plasma are investigated with a view to applications to satellite motion in the ionosphere. It is shown that the effect of the electric field due to the charge on the body in inducing collective motion leads to similar results both for high- and low-density gases. By using a linearized theory, formulas are obtained for the electrohydrodynamic drag and for the increased ionization in the Mach cone behind the body.