Shock Wave Modification Method and System

Abstract

A shock wave in a gas is modified by emitting energy to form an extended path in the gas; heating gas along the path to form a volume of heated gas expanding outwardly from the path; and directing a path. The volume of heated gas passes through the shock wave and modifies the shock wave. This eliminates or reduces a pressure difference between gas on opposite sides of the shock wave. Electromagnetic, microwaves and/or electric discharge can be used to heat the gas along the path. This application has uses in reducing the drag on a body passing through the gas, noise reduction, controlling amount of gas into a propulsion system, and steering a body through the gas. An apparatus is also disclosed.

1 - 52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . A method of directing energy, comprising:
 discharging a electromagnetic radiation into a fluid to form a conductive path; and   discharging energy along the conductive path, wherein the energy is different from the electromagnetic radiation.   
     
     
         54 . The method according to  claim 53 , wherein the electromagnetic radiation is an electric discharge. 
     
     
         55 . The method according to  claim 53 , wherein the electromagnetic radiation is microwave energy. 
     
     
         56 . The method according to  claim 53 , wherein the electromagnetic radiation is laser energy. 
     
     
         57 . The method according to  claim 53 , wherein the energy is an electric discharge. 
     
     
         58 . The method according to  claim 53 , wherein the energy is microwave energy. 
     
     
         59 . The method according to  claim 53 , wherein the energy is laser energy. 
     
     
         60 . The method according to  claim 53 , wherein the fluid is a gas.