Experimental investigation of a unique airbreathing pulsed laser propulsion conceptInvestigations were conducted into unique methods of converting pulsed laser energy into propulsive thrust across a flat impulse surface under atmospheric conditions. The propulsion experiments were performed with a 1-micron neodymium-glass laser at the Space Plasma Branch of the Naval Research Laboratory. Laser-induced impulse was measured dynamically by ballistic pendulums and statically using piezoelectric pressure transducers on a stationary impulse surface. The principal goal was to explore methods for increasing the impulse coupling performance of airbreathing laser-propulsion engines. A magnetohydrodynamic thrust augmentation effect was discovered when a tesla-level magnetic field was applied perpendicular to the impulse surface. The impulse coupling coefficient performance doubled and continued to improve with increasing laser-pulse energies. The resultant performance of 180 to 200 N-s/MJ was found to be comparable to that of the earliest afterburning turbojets.
Document ID
19910059436
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Myrabo, L. N. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Nagamatsu, H. T. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States)
Manka, C. (U.S. Navy, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington DC, United States)
Lyons, P. W. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Jones, R. A. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)