A Mode of Laser Propulsion - Axi-Symmetric Laser-Supported Detonation

940052

03/01/1994

Event
International Pacific Air & Space Technolgy Conference
Authors Abstract
Content
Expecting that the laser propulsion is one of the most interesting next-generation space propulsion systems, it is important to analyze the mechanism of LSD (Laser-Supported Detonation) waves caused by laser absorption. The performance of laser propulsion is determined mainly by the laser absorption efficiency. We find that four physico-chemical processes take place in a LSD wave: (i) Laser energy is absorbed by free electrons through inverse bremsstrahlung. (ii) This energy is distributed to heavy particles (atoms and ions) through elastic and (iii) inelastic collisions, (iv) although it is partly lost as radiation emission by bremsstrahlung.
We simulate this LSD wave, using 1-D and axi-symmetric 3-D models, and considering CO2 and CO lasers. Then we clarify the mechanism of LSD wave. Rapid radiation and ionization processes impose stiffness problems to the numerical analysis. To remove the stiffness, we have used a modified Harten-Yee-type TVD scheme which takes account of real gas effects.
Meta TagsDetails
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/940052
Pages
11
Citation
Fujiwara, T., Fukui, T., and Yonezawa, F., "A Mode of Laser Propulsion - Axi-Symmetric Laser-Supported Detonation," SAE Technical Paper 940052, 1994, https://doi.org/10.4271/940052.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Mar 1, 1994
Product Code
940052
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English