Access provided by Rice University

In order to combine the high momentum coupling coefficient (Cm) of polymeric propellant and the high specific impulse (Isp) of metallic propellant, the propulsion performance of polyoxymethylene (POM) seeded with metallic particles has been studied experimentally with CO2 lasers in this paper. The results show that seeding metallic particles can improve the laser propulsion performance of POM under certain conditions. The Cm and Isp of POM seeded with Al particles is almost the same as pure POM at lower power density (<1.7×106 W/cm2). At higher power density (>1.7×106 W/cm2), Cm of POM seeded with Al particles decreases significantly while Isp increases significantly. Laser parameters that affect the laser propulsion performance of propellants are very important factors. Comparing the experiments in this paper with Schall, et al. experiments, we can see that seeding metallic particles can improve the laser propulsion performance of POM only with the use of a shorter pulse width of laser. The use of the sharp pulse is more conducive to improve the propulsion performance of POM seeded with metallic particles.

Free first page
< >

Issue Details

International Journal of Aerospace Innovations


International Journal of Aerospace Innovations

Print ISSN: 1757-2258

Related Content Search

Find related content

By Author

Subscription Options

Individual Offers