Beam-Riding Analysis of a Parabolic Laser-thermal Thruster

• DOI: 10.1063/1.3657021
• Publication Date: 2011-11-09T23:58:13Z
• Authors: Stefan Scharring; Hans-Albert Eckel; Hans-Peter Röser; Hans-Albert Eckel; Stefan Scharring
• Keywords: Institut für Technische Physik; CO2 laser; Lightcraft; Repetition rate; 01 natural sciences; 7. Clean energy; Stabilization; Impulse coupling coefficient; Free flight experiments; High speed analysis; 0103 physical sciences; Beam-Riding; Laser propulsion

Flight experiments with laser‐propelled vehicles (lightcrafts) are often performed by wire‐guidance or spin‐stabilization. Nevertheless, the specific geometry of lightcraft's optics and nozzle may provide for inherent beam‐riding properties. These features experimentally investigated in a hovering experiment at small free flight test range an electron‐beam sustained pulsed CO2 high energy laser. Laser bursts adapted real‐time control to lightcraft mass impulse coupling ascent quasi equilibrium forces. The dynamics is analyzed respect field vs. attitude, given offset its inclination angle against beam propagation axis, which derived from 3D‐reconstruction trajectory highspeed recordings. limitations experimental parameters' reproducibility impact on stability explored terms Julia sets. Solution statements dynamic stabilization loops presented discussed.