Molecular back flow from the exhaust plume of a space-based laser

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dc.contributor.advisorFuhs, Allen E.
dc.contributor.authorMcCarty, Scott E.
dc.contributor.corporateNaval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
dc.contributor.departmentAeronautics
dc.dateJune 1985
dc.date.accessioned2012-11-27T00:02:12Z
dc.date.available2012-11-27T00:02:12Z
dc.date.issued1985-06
dc.description.abstractBack flow from the exhaust of a chemical laser in low earth orbit may be detrimental to the integrity and operation of the self same system. Difficulties arise in the calculation of exhaust plume properties and molecular flux as the gas expands from continuum to free-molecular flow. The solution of the governing Boltzmann equation is exceedingly complex; similarly, numerical solutions such as the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo technique require prohibitive amounts of computer processing time. An alternate method of the assessment of molecular flux is presented in which the continuous transition from viscous to collisionless flow is approximated by a suitably defined breakdown surface. The molecular flux incident on a given area of the spacecraft surface is determined by integration of flux from all significant portions of the breakdown surface. Results are presented for exhaust plumes of various stagnation and exit plane conditions emanating from an axisymmetric ring nozzle.
dc.description.distributionstatementApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
dc.description.serviceLieutenant Commander, United States Navy
dc.description.sponsorshipDefense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Strategic Defense Initiative Organization
dc.description.urihttp://archive.org/details/molecularbackflo1094521450
dc.format.extent54 p.: ill.en_US
dc.identifier.npsreportNPS-67-85-003
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10945/21450
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherMonterey, California. Naval Postgraduate Schoolen_US
dc.rightsThis publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
dc.subject.authorSpacecraft contaminationen_US
dc.subject.authorChemical lasers
dc.subject.authorRarified gas dynamics
dc.subject.lcshRarefied gas dynamicsen_US
dc.titleMolecular back flow from the exhaust plume of a space-based laseren_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
dspace.entity.typePublication
etd.thesisdegree.disciplineAeronautical Engineeringen_US
etd.thesisdegree.grantorNaval Postgraduate Schoolen_US
etd.thesisdegree.levelMastersen_US
etd.thesisdegree.nameM.S. in Aeronautical Engineeringen_US
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