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Investigation of beamed-energy ERH thruster performanceThe objective of this study was to determine the performance of an External Radiation Heated (ERH) thruster. In this thruster, high intensity laser energy is focused to ignite either a Laser Supported Combustion (LSC) wave or a Laser Supported Detonation (LSD) wave. Thrust is generated as the LSC or LSD wave propagates over the thruster's surface, or in the proposed thruster configuration, the vehicle afterbody. Thrust models for the LSC and LSD waves were developed and simulated on a computer. Performance parameters investigated include the effect of laser intensity, flight Mach number, and altitude on mean-thrust and coupling coefficient of the ERH thruster. Results from these models suggest that the ERH thruster using LSC/LSD wave ignition could provide propulsion performance considerably greater than any propulsion system currently available.
Document ID
19870034250
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Myrabo, Leik N.
(Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States)
Strayer, T. Darton
(Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Bossard, John A.
(Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Richard, Jacques C.
(Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Gallimore, Alec D.
(Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1986
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 86-1760
Accession Number
87A21524
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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