Wall-Propelled, In-Tube Propulsion with Repetitive-Pulse Laser Ablation

摘要

In this study, proof-of-concept demonstrations of wall-propelled, in-tube propulsion have been conducted using repetitive-pulse laser ablation. The aluminum alloy projectile was vertically launched even in the open-breech mode which simulated launch operation through an infinitely long tube, yielding a constant C_m of 0.14 mN • s/J. This value corresponds to an effective exhaust velocity of 1.7 ± 0.3 km/s, which is comparable to that obtained in the laser ablation plume from the ablator surface. As is suggested by Higgins [6], by using an explosive as a wall ablator, the thrust performance would be much improved. Because the constant-momentum coupling operations are demonstrated in the open-breech mode, this device is proved to be applicable even in space. Increasing available laser and/or chemical power will enhance the usefulness of this high-payload launch scheme.