The speed is the issue: Investigating Detection of Hypersonic Missiles

During his PhD Studies, Peter Lysdahl Bæk researched how plasma surrounding hypersonic missiles could alter the detectability of such vehicles. The research applied numerical methods from the realm of fluids dynamics, combined with plasma dynamics and electromagnetic simulations, radar signatures have been investigated for defense purposes. 

The research findings has contributed to the understanding of radar attenuation in defense related scenarios and has added dual-use capabilities for black-out predictions. The PhD study was completed at Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Wednesday, 30^th September 2026 at 10:30
Place: Building 1525-626, Det Skæve Rum, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 120, 8000, Aarhus.
Title of PhD thesis: Applicability of OpenFOAM for Hypersonic Flow Simulations in Defence Applications: Validation, Uncertainty, and Radar Corss-Section Predictions    
Contact information: Peter Lysdahl Bæk, e-mail: pelb@terma.com, tel.: +45 27614343
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor of Aerodynamics Marco Fossati, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Professor, Theoretical Astrophysics Martin Pessah, NBI, Copenhagen University, Danmark
Professor Jan Joachim Arlt, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University (chair) 
Main supervisor: Professor Hans Kjeldsen, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, Denmark
Co-supervisor: Karsten Leding Vendelbjerg, Terma, Denmark
Co-supervisor: Associate Professor Troels Haugbølle, Niels Bohr Institute, KU, Denmark
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C