Constant-Fluence Area Scaling for Laser Propulsion
- UAH Laser Propulsion Group, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Physics Department, OB-201B John Wright Dr., Huntsville, AL 35899 (United States)
A series of experiments was conducted on polyoxymethylene (POM, trade name Delrin registered ) propellants in air at atmospheric pressure. A TEA CO{sub 2} laser with maximum output power up to 20 J was used to deliver 300 ns pulses of 10.6 {mu}m radiation to POM targets. Ablation at a constant fluence and a range of spot areas was achieved by varying combinations of the laser energy and spot size. Relevant empirical scaling laws governing laser propulsion parameters such as the momentum coupling coefficient (C{sub m}) and specific impulse (I{sub sp}) for spot areas within a range of about 0.05-0.25 cm{sup 2} are presented. Experimental measurements of imparted impulse, C{sub m}, I{sub sp}, and ablated mass per pulse were made using dynamic piezoelectric force sensors and a scientific balance. Finally, Schlieren ICCD imaging of shock waves and vapor plumes was performed and analyzed.
- OSTI ID:
- 21137108
- 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: 10.1063/1.2931895; (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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