Experimental CW Chemical Laser Studies.
Abstract
Experimental studies of The Aerospace Corporation's continuously operating diffusion-type HF chemical lasers are presented. Nonuniform flow profiles at the laser nozzle exit are deducted by the use of pitot and total-temperature probes. The presence of shock waves and the measured flow profiles were of particular interest in the explanation of laser performance under varied flow conditions. Low-diluent-ratio flows resulted in a deterioration of laser performance partly because of thermal blockage effects. Alternate nozzles were plugged in order to provide lateral jet expansion relief, which resulted in improved laser performance. Pressure scaling was investigated up to approximately 5 atm plenum pressure and 16-Torr cavity pressure. For fixed plenum conditions, an increase in cavity pressure resulted in a decrease in laser power and axial lasing length (due to oblique shocks and nozzle separation). For fixed cavity pressure, an increase in plenum pressure resulted in an increase in power and axial lasing length (due to a reduced boundary layer). The cavity pressure for peak power corresponded quite closely to the cavity pressure predicted for matched nozzle flow. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0767192
Entities
People
- Donald J. Spencer
- Robert L. Varwig
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation