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 controlling flow of a first fluid through a second fluid comprising the steps of:
 creating an extended path of decreased density within a second fluid substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the first fluid within the second fluid by emitting energy at at least one point within a second fluid, and   enabling the first fluid to flow through the extended path of decreased density.   
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the at least one point comprising a plurality of points. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the emitting energy is laser energy, electric discharge, microwave pulses, and/or some combination thereof. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the first fluid is gas, liquid, multi-phase fluid, or an air/fuel mixture. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the flow of the first fluid is subsonic, transonic, or supersonic. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the first fluid is able to flow within the second fluid with increase range and/or speed. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the first fluid is able to flow within the second fluid with less energy. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the first fluid is able to flow within the second fluid with decrease of undesired segregation of particles or particle size re-distribution. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the first fluid is associated with a propulsion unit. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the first fluid flows at least in part within a propulsion unit. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the effect is to control the air flow into the inlet of a propulsion unit. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the propulsion unit performance is enhanced. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the effect of a shock wave on the propulsion unit is mitigated. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the effect of a sonic boom on the propulsion unit is mitigated. 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the any resonance and/or acoustic signature the propulsion unit is mitigated. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the temperature of the propulsion unit is reduced. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the pressure of the propulsion unit is reduced. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the flow of the first fluid is controlled. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 70 , wherein the flow of the first fluid is controlled into a propulsion unit. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the performance of the propulsion unit is enhanced.