Energy-conversion measurements in laser-sustained argon plasmas for application to rocket propulsion. Final technical report, 18 February 1987-17 February 1988

Technical Report · Fri Apr 15 04:00:00 EDT 1988

OSTI ID:6875666

Krier, H; Mazumder, J; Zerkle, D K; Mertogul, A; Schwartz, S

Laser propulsion is the production of high specific-impulse rocket thrust using a high-power laser as a remote energy source. Specific impulses in excess of 1000 seconds are achievable because propellant temperatures are very high and low-molecular-weight gases can be used. This report focuses on the energy-conversion mechanisms of laser-sustained plasmas in flowing argon. The status of AFOSR-sponsored experiments to determine thermal efficiency and global absorption is detailed. An improved testing facility has allowed plasma operating conditions never before possible. The results indicate that nearly all of the input laser power can be absorbed by a plasma. Plasmas at elevated gas pressure have been tested, and preliminary results are presented. Optimal operating conditions have yet to be determined for the available laser powers and gas pressures. Further experimentation at very high argon gas velocities (> 20 m/s) must be performed in order to completely characterize plasma behavior.

• Research Organization: Illinois Univ., Urbana (USA). Dept. of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
• OSTI ID: 6875666
• Report Number(s): AD-A-194931/2/XAB; UILU-ENG-88-4006
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300800* -- Direct Energy Conversion-- Miscellaneous Converters
ARGON
CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELEMENTS
ENERGY CONVERSION
FLUIDS
GASES
HIGH PRESSURE
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
NONMETALS
PLASMA
PRODUCTION
PROGRESS REPORT
PROPELLANTS
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
RARE GASES