Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Laser Propulsion Phenomenology.
Abstract
This report describes a research effort carried out to provide data crucial to the ultimate development of both CW and pulsed laser propulsion technologies. The CW effort involved extending our examination of absorption of 10 and 3 micrometer laser radiation by molecules at elevated temperatures. Test gases were heated to temperatures of 1000 to 4500 K via shock excitation. Both absorption coefficients and saturation intensity levels were evaluated. Until these recent efforts, such a high temperature data base was virtually non-existent and further, with the exception of diatomics, not readily amenable to theoretical extrapolation. These measurements are essential in evaluating CW laser thruster performance and, as fallout, could also provide a useful testbed for future theoretical predictions of molecular structure. Pulsed laser propulsion utilizes laser induced breakdown to develop a high temperature plasma which can subsequently be expanded to provide thrust. The three principal stages of the operation of such a thruster are: (1) laser-induced breakdown, (2) subsequent laser energy absorption in the laser-produced plasma, and (3) non-steady expansion of this hot, high pressure gas down a nozzle to produce thrust.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 18, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA176851
Entities
People
- David M. Rosen
- G. Caledonia
- J. Campbell
- N. Kemp
- R. Krech
Organizations
- Physical Sciences (United States)