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

Document Number: 940052

Date Published: March 1994

Author(s):
Toshi Fujiwara - Nagoya Univ.
Toshihide Fukui - Nagoya Univ.
Futoshi Yonezawa - Nagoya Univ.

Abstract:
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: 1) laser energy is absorbed by free electrons through inverse bremsstrahlung; 2) this energy is distributed to heavy particles (atoms and ions) through elastic and 3) inelastic collisions, and 4) although it is partly lost as radiation emission by bremsstrahlung.

We simulate this LSD wave, using 1-D and axisymmetric 3-D models, and considering CO\d2 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.

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See other papers presented at International Pacific Air & Space Technolgy Conference, February 1994, Singapore, SINGA, Session: International Pacific Air & Space Technolgy Conference

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