Basic Research Investigations into Multimode Laser and EM Launchers for Affordable, Rapid Access to Space (Volumes 1 and 2)
Abstract
This basic research effort on pulsed air breathing/rocket laser propulsion, investigates the physics of laser energy deposition into stationary and hypersonic working fluids, inclusive of electrical breakdown, ignition of laser-supported detonation waves (LSD), and blast wave propagation over thruster impulse generating surfaces. The future application of AFOSR interest for this basic research endeavor is the laser launch of nano- and micro-satellites (i.e., 1-100 kg payloads) into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), at low cost and "on-demand." The present dual-pronged, combined experimental/numerical research campaigns centered on both static and hypersonic experiments with representative 2D and 3D laser-thruster geometries, using the Lumonics TEA-622 (-200J. -100ns) and K922M (20-40J, -100ns) C02 lasers. Laser scramjet experiments were performed in the T3 tunnel at the Henry T. Nagamatsu Laboratory of Aerothermodynamics and Hypersonics (HTNLAH). Time-dependent surface pressure distributions were measured over thrust-generating surfaces following laser energy deposition; delivered impulse and momentum coupling coefficients (Cm) were obtained; Schlieren movies of the impulse generation process were recorded with a high-speed Cardin digital camera. to study 1he laser breakdown/ blast wave expansion process. and evolving flow field structures in both stationary and hypersonic flow. Time-resolved visualizations of inlet and absorption chamber flow fields, enabled qualitative analysis of dominant phenomena impacting laser-propulsion physics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 2010
- Accession Number
- AD1026489
Entities
People
- David A. Kenoyer
- Israel I. Salvador
- Leik N. Myrabo
Organizations
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute