Laser Propulsion with Liquid Propellants Part II: Thin Films
- UAH Laser Propulsion Group, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Physics Department, OB-201B John Wright Dr., Huntsville, Alabama 35899 (United States)
Thin films of a liquid propellant have been studied as a potential way to boost thrust for laser propulsion applications. A TEA CO{sub 2} laser with 300 ns pulse width was operated at up to 20 J pulse energy to produce irradiances at the target on the order of 1-1200 MW/cm{sup 2} to ablate various systems of thin films on Delrin registered substrates. In this study, time-resolved force sensors and ICCD imaging techniques were used to determine how an addition of thin liquid films to solid substrates affects propulsive properties such as momentum coupling coefficient, specific impulse, and internal efficiency. Transparent (hexane) and absorbing (ethanol and water) thin films were formed above Delrin registered substrates for the laser system operating at 10.6 {mu}m. Thickness effects on the hexane-Delrin registered system will be examined. An analysis will be made of the possible routes for force generation, and the general properties, benefits, and shortcomings of liquid thin film structures will be summarized with regard to laser propulsion.
- OSTI ID:
- 21137105
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 997, Issue 1; Conference: 5. international symposium on beamed energy propulsion, Kailua-Kona, HI (United States), 12-15 Nov 2007; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2931892; (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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