A Study of Window Focusing Effects on Laser Ignition for Medium-Caliber Systems
Abstract
One proposed implementation of medium-caliber laser ignition em ploys a focusing ball to replace the conventional electric primer. The effects of ball size and igniter stand-off distance have been characterized experimentally with black powder pellets. Ignition threshold and delay experiments were carried out using 4 mm and 6 mm diameter glass beads with standoffs up to 1.5 mm. Ray tracing was used to model the energy distribution of a top-hat beam profile refracted through a focusing ball. Results of the study indicate that the tighter focus of the 4 mm bead can reduce the required laser pulse energy with little effect on the ignition delay.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA402622
Entities
People
- Jeffrey B. Morris
- Richard A. Beyer
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory