Liquid Film for Spacecraft Survivability to Laser Radiation
Abstract
The thin liquid film mediated laser interaction concept has been investigated in a joint-experimental theoretical effort. The experimental portion of the program has demonstrated the laser hardening capability of thin liquid films for graphitic substrates. Measurements of film stability and optical reflectivity of coated graphite samples were made under simulated c.w. laser heating in an electron beam apparatus. The results were that the films remained intact at temperatures of 3300 K and for high rates of substrate vaporization. Measured surface emissivities were maintained at low values throughout the heating period. Values of Q*, the laser energy per gram of carbon vaporized, were increased by factors of 3-4 over that for graphite and 2-3 over that for TBR materials. Heats of vaporization were measured and found similar to uncoated graphite. (aw)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA214771
Entities
People
- Anne Gelb
- H. Legner
- L. Cowles
- M. Frish
Organizations
- Physical Sciences (United States)