Simulation Research on the Influence of Plasma Bubbles on Radio Wave Propagation

Abstract Plasma bubbles are large‐scale irregular structures that often occur at equatorial latitudes, equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) affect the propagation of high‐frequency (HF) radio waves. Based on their main observational characteristics, a three‐dimensional (3D) model of EPBs was established, and a preliminary simulation of EPBs was performed. Three‐dimensional ray tracing can be used to simulate HF radio wave propagation. In this study, we consider EPBs at different scales, appearing at different times and different heights, and investigate the influence of EPBs on the propagation path of radio waves at low latitudes. The simulation results show that when they propagate through EPBs of different scales, the propagation paths of radio waves are completely different. Radio waves at 6, 8, and 10 MHz show obvious refraction; With an increase in EPB scale, the focusing effect of radio waves will diminish, and the focusing height will increase. The propagation of HF radio waves through EPB change with time as follows: partial penetration, partial reflection, and total penetration, the refraction effect of EPB on radio waves gradually decreases over time. When radio waves propagate through EPB at different heights, the simulation results show that EPB at an altitude of 200 km makes little impact on the radio waves. As the height of EPB increases, the radio waves will exhibit significant refraction, showing an obvious focusing effect.