On Relativistic Plasma/Non-vacuum Interaction

There exists a limitation on plasma-based propulsion systems which restricts their usage to non-atmospheric environments. We theoretically determine the local effects of high temperatures and densities of relativistic plasmas through the generation of high thermal gradient, exhaust plumes. The interaction between the relativistic plasma exhaust and atmospheric regions of varying pressures in close proximity thereto are examined in an attempt to ascertain stability conditions and their associated stable regions.