We show that perfect propulsion requires a constant momentum mission, as a consequence of Newton's second law. Perfect propulsion occurs when the velocity of the propelled mass in the inertial frame of reference matches the velocity of the propellant jet in the rocket frame of reference. We compare constant momentum to constant specific impulse propulsion, which, for a given specification of the mission delta V, has an optimum specific impulse that maximizes the propelled mass per unit jet kinetic energy investment. We also describe findings of more than 50% efficiency for conversion of laser energy into jet kinetic energy by ablation of solids.


    Zugriff

    Zugriff über TIB

    Verfügbarkeit in meiner Bibliothek prüfen


    Exportieren, teilen und zitieren



    Titel :

    Thermodynamic Limitations on Energy Conversion in Laser Propulsion


    Beteiligte:
    C. W. Larson (Autor:in) / F. B. Mead (Autor:in) / S. D. Knecht (Autor:in)

    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2003


    Format / Umfang :

    12 pages


    Medientyp :

    Report


    Format :

    Keine Angabe


    Sprache :

    Englisch




    Energy conversion in laser propulsion

    Larson, C. / Mead, Jr., Franklin | AIAA | 2001


    Energy Conversion in Laser Propulsion

    Larson, C. W. / Mead, F. B. / AIAA | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2001


    Energy Conversion in Laser Propulsion II

    Larson, Carl / Kalliomaa, Wayne / Mead, Franklin | AIAA | 2002


    Energy conversion in laser propulsion. II

    Larson, C. / Mead, JR., F. / Kalliomaa, W. | AIAA | 2002


    Energy Conversion in Laser Propulsion III

    Larson, C. W. / Mead, F. B. / Kalliomaa, W. M. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003