Numerical simulations based on the finite-difference-time-domain （FDTD） approximation to multi-fluid equations for positive ions, negative ions and electrons are used to study high frequency electromagnetic wave propagation and absorption in an unmagnetized plasma layer. The interaction between the incident high frequency wave and the plasma layer shows that the existence of negative ions and the nonlinear effect reduces the power absorption capability of the plasma. Parameter dependences of the effects are calculated and discussed.
In the present paper, a physical model is proposed for reducing the problem of the drag reduction of an attached bow shock around the nose of a high-speed vehicle with on-board discharge, to the problem of a balance between the magnetic pressure and gas pressure of plane shock of a partially ionized gas consisting of the environmental gas around the nose of the vehicle and the on-board discharge-produced plasma. The relation between the shock strength and the discharge-induced magnetic pressure is studied by means of a set of one-fluid, hydromagnetic equations reformed for the present purpose, where the discharge-induced magnetic field consists of the electron current （produced by the discharge）-induced magnetic field and the partially ionized gas flow-induced one. A formula for the relation between the above parameters is derived. It shows that the discharge-induced magnetic pressure can minimize the shock strength, successfully explaining the two recent experimental observations on attached bow shock mitigation and elimination in a supersonic flow during on-board discharge [Phys. Plasmas 9 （2002） 721 and Phys. Plasmas 7 （2000） 1345]. In addition, the formula implies that the shock elimination leaves room for a layer of higher-density plasma rampart moving around the nose of the vehicle, being favourable to the plasma radar cloaking of the vehicle. The reason for it is expounded.
