Airbreathing Laser Proof Experiment.
Abstract
Small signal gain and near field extracted optical power measurements have been made and the results compared with corresponding theoretical predictions in order to determine the extent to which the predicted performance of an air-breathing gas dynamic laser burning benzene or JP-4 in preheated air can be realized. An ABL test bed laser was designed for continuous operation. A J-79 low smoke combustor was adapted to the laser. Smoke temperature and gas composition measurements were made just upstream of the laser inlet. The measured smoke levels corresponded to better than 99.7% combustion efficiency. The tests included two 3.3 minute steady state lasing demonstrations during which the measured output power remained steady within the measurement accuracy. The tests were conducted at approximately 14 atmospheres over a plenum temperature range of 1263 to 1465K and at inlet temperatures of 500, 600 and 700K. Simultaneous centerline gain measurements were made 9 cm and 35 cm from the nozzle exit plane. Most of the data fell less than 10% below prediction at the 9 cm location. Benzene consistently yielded higher gain (as predicted) and the gain decay rate generally matched theoretical predictions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA015583
Entities
People
- Bernadette L. Maguire
- Donald F. Carpenter
- Richard E. Geiger
- William C. Yager
Organizations
- General Electric