１ｋＷ級ＣＷレーザー推進機の性能計算

Abstract

Numerical analyses were performed to clarify the power conversion mechanisms in a 1kW class Continuous-Wave (CW) laser thruster. Laser plasma heating and radiation emission from the plasma, which dominate in the power conversion balance, were highlighted in the analyses. Calculation results showed that low laser power absorption and large radiation loss from the plasma cause low thruster performance. These results also showed that optimization of the nozzle shape and use of regenerative-cooling can substantially improve the thruster performance.