Laser-Supported Detonation Concept as a Space Thruster
- ATES Corporation, Tanaka-cho 1-118-3, Toyota 471-0845 (Japan)
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8603 (Japan)
Similar to the concept of pulse detonation engine (PDE), a detonation generated in the 'combustion chamber' due to incoming laser absorption can produce the thrust basically much higher than the one that a laser-supported deflagration wave can provide. Such a laser-supported detonation wave concept has been theoretically studied by the first author for about 20 years in view of its application to space propulsion. The entire work is reviewed in the present paper. The initial condition for laser absorption can be provided by increasing the electron density using electric discharge. Thereafter, once a standing/running detonation wave is formed, the laser absorption can continuously be performed by the classical absorption mechanism called Inverse Bremsstrahlung behind a strong shock wave.
- OSTI ID:
- 20632957
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 702; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ABSORPTION
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
COMBUSTION CHAMBERS
DETONATION WAVES
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRON DENSITY
LASER RADIATION
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
LASERS
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PLASMA PRODUCTION
PROPULSION
PULSES
RADIANT HEAT TRANSFER
SPACE VEHICLES
THRUSTERS
USES