Laser Propulsion with Liquid Propellants Part I: an Overview

Journal Article · Mon Apr 28 00:00:00 EDT 2008 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2931891· OSTI ID:21137104

Sinko, John E; Pakhomov, Andrew V ^[1]

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1. UAH Laser Propulsion Group, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Physics Department, OB-201B John Wright Dr, Huntsville, AL 35899 (United States)

Despite years of research, laser propulsion on liquid propellants has yet to achieve specific impulses greater than tens of seconds. It is well established that liquids, when used as propellants, can provide coupling coefficient (C{sub m}) on the order of 100-1000 dyne/W. However, the specific impulse (I{sub sp}) has proven to be significantly inferior to that for solid propellants. This paper will examine the various laser propulsion schemes based on ablation of liquid propellants and intended primarily for space applications. The principal shortcomings associated with liquid propellants will be outlined.

• OSTI ID: 21137104
• 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: 10.1063/1.2931891; (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABLATION
LASER RADIATION
LASERS
LIQUIDS
PROPULSION
PULSES
SHOCK WAVES
SOLIDS
SPACE