Experimental Study of Subsonic Laser Absorption Waves.
Abstract
A shock tube-driven gas dynamic laser operating at 10.6 micrometers has been used to study subsonic laser absorption waves. These waves result from the interaction of laser radiation with various metal and ablator surfaces. In the experiments reported here, various individual parameters were varied including the laser intensity and the laser beam diameter. Measurements of the wave propagation speed and its dependence on laser power, laser beam diameter and ambient air pressure were made. In addition, measurements of the properties of the plasma produced by the wave included determination of the 10.6 micrometer absorption coefficient, the air density field, and the spectral emission. Measurements of the target thermal response and mass loss were also made. It was established that radiative rather than thermal conduction transport dominates the propagation of these waves and that two-dimensional hydrodynamic flow is a dominant feature of the wave.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA007885
Entities
People
- E. L. Klosterman
- S. R. Byron