Numerical Simulation on Laser Propulsion Capability of Polymer Target

Abstract

A computational model of laser ablated polymer was established. Set the ablation criterion based on threshold energy. Put forward the polymer ablation criterion in the numerical model. It established the energy distribution equation to describe the laser ablation process. When the ablation products ejected, the target gained recoil impulse from ejection process. Get the ejection energy and the recoil momentum of target based on momentum conservation law. The numerical analysis model can reflect the propulsion capability of different polymer propellant, revealed the law of propulsion parameters in laser ablation process.

Share and Cite:

N. Li, J. Ye and W. Zhou, "Numerical Simulation on Laser Propulsion Capability of Polymer Target," Optics and Photonics Journal, Vol. 3 No. 2B, 2013, pp. 11-14. doi: 10.4236/opj.2013.32B003.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1] C. R. Phipps, J. R. Luke and W. Helgeson, “Performance Test Results for the Laser-Powered Microthruster,” K. Komurasaki, Ed., The Forth Beamed Energy Propulsion, Nara, AIP, 2006, pp. 224-234.
[2] J. K. Ziemmer, “Laser ablation microthruster technology,” 33rd Plasma Dynamics and Lasers Conference, Hawaii, AIAA2002, pp. 2002-2153.
[3] L. Urech, “Design and Characterization of Energetic Polymers Applied in Laser Space Propulsion,” Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland, 2007, pp. 65-195.
[4] C. R. Phipps, J. R. Luke and W. Helgeson, “Giant Momentum Coupling Coefficients from Nanosca-lelaser-Initiated Exothermic Compounds,” 41st Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit, Tucson, AIAA2005, pp. 2005-3607.
[5] R. Srinivasan and B. Braren, “Ablative Photodecomposition of Polymer Films by Pulsed Farultraviolet Laserradiation Dependence of Etch Depth on Experimental Conditions,” Journal of Polymers Science and Polymers Chemistry, Vol. 22, No. 10, 1984, pp. 2601-2609. doi:10.1002/pol.1984.170221026
[6] J. E. Andrew, P. E. Dyer and D. Forster, “Direct Etching of Polymeric Materialsusing A Xeclaser,” Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 43, 1983, pp. 717-719. doi:10.1063/1.94488
[7] Q. F. Ma, “Thermal Physics Practicality Handbook,” Chian Agriculture Engine Press, Beijing, 1986, pp. 638-648.
[8] L. Urech and T. Lippert, “Designed Polymers for Laser-Based Micro-Thrusters Correlation of Thrust with Material, Plasma and Shockwave Properties,” High-Power Laser AblationⅤ, Proceeding of SPIE, Vol. 5448, 2004, pp. 52-64.
[9] C. R. Phipps and J. R., “Luke Micro laser plasma thrusters for small satellites,” In: C. R. Phipps, Ed., Proceedings of SPIE, 2000, High Power Laser Ablation III, Vol. 4065, pp. 801-809. doi:10.1117/12.407400
[10] C. R. Phipps, “Diode Laser-Driven Microthrusters A new Departure in High Isp, Long-Life Engines,” 36th AIAA/ ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, 2000, Alabama.

Copyright © 2024 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.

Creative Commons License

This work and the related PDF file are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.