Laser propulsion - Research status and needs

Birkan, Mitat

doi:10.2514/3.23485

Cited by 30 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Data files were retrieved from the oscilloscope and processed using Origin 6.0 and Microsoft Excel to derive force F, impulse I imparted to nozzle, momentum coupling coefficient C m , specific impulse I sp , and internal efficiency using the following formulas [7]:…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influencing Factors on Propulsive Performances of Water Droplets for Laser Propulsion

Hong

Wen

et al. 2010

Journal of Propulsion and Power

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A transversely excited at atmospheric pressure CO 2 laser operated at 10:6 m and 5 s pulse width was employed to ablate atomized water droplets for laser propulsion. The momentum was derived from the force sensor data. Experimental results indicated that coupling coefficient C m , specific impulse I sp , and internal efficiency were increased remarkably. The maximum value of C m was 52:1 dyne=W. The measured value of I sp was 102 s. Internal efficiency of 26.1% was achieved. Total impulse I and coupling coefficient C m were dependent largely on the droplets' Sauter mean diameter and speed and their combined interaction. Specific impulse I sp and internal efficiency were dependent on the droplets' Sauter mean diameter, speed, flow rate of liquid propellant feeding system, and their combined interaction. The flow rate of the liquid feeding system dominated the influencing factors on specific impulse I sp and internal efficiency .Nomenclature C m = momentum coupling coefficient D 32 = Sauter mean diameter E = the pulse-to-pulse energy F = force imparted to the nozzle g = the acceleration of gravity I = impulse imparted to the nozzle I sp = specific impulse v = mean speed of water droplets = absorption coefficient m = supplied droplet mass each time = internal efficiency = water mass density th = explosion threshold of water m = transmissivity of incident laser

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influencing Factors on Propulsive Performances of Water Droplets for Laser Propulsion

Hong

Wen

et al. 2010

Journal of Propulsion and Power

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“…1,2) There are two types of laser propulsion, depending on whether the laser is continuous or repetitively pulsed. The former is called continuous-wave (CW) laser propulsion and the latter is called repetitivepulse (RP) laser propulsion.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical Simulation of a 1 kW-Class CW Laser Thruster

Nakano

2007

Trans. Japan Soc. Aero. S Sci.

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Numerical analyses were performed to clarify the power conversion mechanisms in a 1 kW-class continuous-wave laser thruster. Laser plasma heating and radiation emission from the plasma, which dominate in the power conversion balance, were the focus of this analysis. The calculation results show that low laser power absorption and large radiation loss from the plasma result in low thruster performance. The results also show that optimization of the nozzle shape and use of regenerative-cooling can substantially improve thruster performance.

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“…This has been called 'Beamed energy propulsion' and includes use of lasers and microwaves. The 'Laser propulsion' concept of launching a vehicle by using laser energy was proposed by Kantrowitz 1) in 1972 and subsequent fundamental studies, [2][3][4][5][6][7] resulted in fast growth in beamed energy propulsion. In the 1990s, Myrabo et al demonstrated a launch from ground level up to an altitude of 71 m. 8,9) Schall et al also successfully demonstrated a launch using laser power.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impulse Generation Mechanisms in a Laser-Driven In-Tube Accelerator

Choi

Kang

Sasoh

et al. 2008

Trans. Japan Soc. Aero. S Sci.

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To enhance laser-propulsion thrust performance, a unique Laser-driven In-Tube Accelerator (LITA) has been developed. This paper numerically analyzes the impulse generation mechanisms in LITA. For this purpose, a LITA performance experiment was conducted in atmospheric air with a projectile installed on a ballistic pendulum to calibrate the numerical approximations. We conducted experimental flow visualization by framing shadowgraph and computational fluid dynamics solving the axi-symmetric Euler equation applied to an ideal gas. The results show that a laser-driven blast wave is generated by a spherical hot gas core where the supplied laser energy is absorbed first. The effect of confinement by the tube or shroud wall is confirmed. The impulse production is established not only from the interaction between the incident blast wave and projectile, but also from the following repetitive pressure waves. Assuming that about 30% of the input laser energy is absorbed by the working air, both the impulse and peak pressure agrees quantitatively between the experiment and numerical simulation.

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Laser propulsion - Research status and needs

Cited by 30 publications

References 23 publications

Influencing Factors on Propulsive Performances of Water Droplets for Laser Propulsion

Influencing Factors on Propulsive Performances of Water Droplets for Laser Propulsion

Numerical Simulation of a 1 kW-Class CW Laser Thruster

Impulse Generation Mechanisms in a Laser-Driven In-Tube Accelerator

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