Two Temperature Modeling and Experimental Measurements of Laser Sustained Hydrogen Plasmas
Abstract
Experiments have been performed which measured the global absorption and thermal efficiency of laser sustained hydrogen plasmas for the first time. Results include global absorption as high as 90% and thermal efficiency as high as 80%. These results validate laser propulsion as a feasible orbital transfer technology. A kinetic nonequilibrium model of laser sustained hydrogen plasmas has been formulated and solved. This model is the first of its kind and includes a discretized beam raytrace with a variable index of refraction based upon plasma electron number density. Model results have compared favorably with experimental results and the model has been used to provide predictions of LSP performance well outside the realm of experiments. Multiple model solutions have been obtained which are dependent upon initial conditions. No significant kinetic nonequilibrium was observed in LSP core regions for incident powers up to 700 kW. Beam refraction by the LSP has been observed to have a major effect on LSP performance. The methodology formulated in this document has direct applicability to two temperature modeling of arcjet plasmas, work which is currently underway at UIUC.... Beamed energy propulsion, Two temperature modeling, Laser sustained hydrogen plasmas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA265750
Entities
People
- Ayhan E. Mertogul
- Herman Krier
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign