Experimental Research
Overview
We are conducting experiments in order to elucidate the mechanism of thrust generation by the blast wave and plasma created when a laser is focused. We visualize and analyse plasma and blast waves produced within our laboratory using methods such as Schlieren photos and spectroscopy. Check the following page for more information。
Energy Conversion process of RP laser propulsion
We investigate the process in which laser energy is converted to thrust. Studies on the same process within low pressures and hypersonic atmospheres have also been conducted.
The image below is a picture of the plasma and blast wave generated when a laser is focused to a high intensity . Shadowgraph photos were taken in order to visualize the density gradient caused by the blast wave.
Measurement of propagation velocity of Laser Supported Detonation(LSD)
The propagation velocity of the blast wave is important for estimating the thrust of a laser propulsion system.
The propagation velocity was measured in many gas species, and was found to differ for every gas species.
This means that the propagation velocity is not determined by just fluid dynamics, and the physics of the plasma must be investigated.
Measurement of electron number density
We measure the electron number density of laser plasmas in order to research the structure of Laser Supported Detonation(LSD)
The picture below is a mach-zender image that visualizes the electron number density of laser plasma
The electron number density of laser plasma generated at high laser intensities are also measured using plasma emission spectroscopic methods.
