The Fluid Mechanics of Pulsed Laser Propulsion
Abstract
A fluid mechanical model is developed to asssess the performance of a rocket that is propelled by the absorption of radiant energy from a remotely stationed, repetitively pulsed laser. The model describes the flow within a conical nozzle that is subjected to point energy depositions at the apex of the cone. A similarity solution is obtained and the specific impulse and energy efficiencies that may be achieved with such a device are determined. Fluid mechanical constraints limit the range of pulse repetition rates that may be utilized. Preliminary design considerations indicate that a specific impulse of 800 seconds or greater may be achieved with both a laboratory and a full scale device. A two pound laboratory rocket can be accelerated at 10 g's with a 15 joule laser pulsed 25,000 times per second. A one ton rocket will require a megajoule laser operating at 350 pulses per second to achieve an equivalent acceleration. A laboratory experiment to test the theoretical model using multiple CO2 TEA lasers is also designed, and a test plan to compare theory with experiment is outlined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA033887
Entities
People
- A. N. Pirri
- G. A. Simons
- P. E. Nebolsine
Organizations
- Physical Sciences (United States)