Model Studies of CBES Decomposition (FN3/BiF Chemical Laser)
Abstract
This report investigated the use of fluorine azide (FN3) as both an advanced high energy density propellant and as a fuel for an advanced high energy visible wavelength chemical laser. The proposed laser operates by producing the electronically excited NF(a) metastable species upon thermal dissociation of FN3 and utilizing subsequent energy transfer reactions to pump the BiF(A-X) laser transitions near 450 nm. The work was done in four major blocks which include: (1) Production of FN3; (2) Conversion of FN3 to NF(a); (3) Excitation of BiF(A) by NF(a); (4) Measurement of BiF(X). In the course of performing this work knowledge was gained concerning the mechanism of reaction and a number of key kinetic rate constants. Also efficient production of electronically excited species was demonstrated at densities large enough to power a high energy laser system. Finally, the BiF(X) ground state concentration was found to be consistent with a model based on population by radiative cascade from BiF(A) and removal by NF(a) at a near gas kinetic rate. These results support the development of an NF/BiF chemical laser that is operable at visable wavelengths. (TTL)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA229427
Entities
People
- B. K. Winker
- D. J. Benard