Abstract
The results of the ongoing investigation of laser-sustained argon plasmas in the forced convective flow regime are reported. Plasma absorption and thermal efficiency are the key parameters measured. Flow velocities of up to 30 m/s at one atmosphere, and up to 13.6 m/s at 2.5 atmospheres are imposed upon plasmas sustained at 2.5 kW, 5.0 kW, and 7.0 kW input laser powers, using either f/4 or f17 beam focusing geometries. Absorption ranged from 55% to 97% and thermal efficiency ranged from 11% to 46% depending upon the operating conditions. Absorptions and efficiencies this high have never before been reported and demonstrate that laser propulsion could be a practical orbital transfer concept. Spectroscopic analysis of the plasma core is used concurrently with conventional temperature and calorimetric diagnostics to determine absorption and efficiency independently.
Original language | English (US) |
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State | Published - 1998 |
Event | AIAA 23rd Thermophysics, Plasmadynamics and Lasers Conference, 1988 - San Antonio, United States Duration: Jun 27 1988 → Jul 29 1988 |
Other
Other | AIAA 23rd Thermophysics, Plasmadynamics and Lasers Conference, 1988 |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | San Antonio |
Period | 6/27/88 → 7/29/88 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Engineering(all)