Hydrodynamic efficiency of ablation by a pulsed ion beam for propulsion applications

Abstract

This paper presents the hydrodynamic efficiency of ablation plasma produced by a pulsed ion beam, as obtained on the basis of the ion beam–target interaction concept. We used a one-dimensional hydrodynamic model to explain the ablation acceleration behavior. Hydrodynamic variables are evaluated in terms of ablation velocity, conversion efficiency and ablation efficiency. We obtained 18% value for the energy conversion efficiency, while an ablation efficiency of about 70% is achieved at an ion-beam energy density of 60J cm). A thrust producing capability is also investigated.