Theoretical and Mathematical Physics

Formation of laser jet thrust in the supersonic regime

Yu. A. Rezunkov^a, A. A. Shmidt<sup>b

a</sup> Research Institute for Complex Testing of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems, Sosnovy Bor, Leningrad region
^b Ioffe Institute, St. Petersburg

Abstract: Basic methods for obtaining laser jet thrust in the supersonic regime corresponding to the supersonic flow in the jet nozzle are analyzed. It is shown that the method based on the interaction of a laser ablative jet with the supersonic flow is promising. In this case, laser thrust is formed due to additional acceleration of the flow behind the ablation region. Numerical simulation of the flow in a parabolic nozzle is employed to demonstrate the possibility of effective formation of laser thrust at a level of 3 $\times$ 10$^{-3}$ N/W.

Received: 12.03.2013

 English version: Technical Physics, 2013, 58:12, 1737–1744

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