关键词: 激光推进;耦合系数;特性;数值仿真

Abstract: A second order accurate scheme based on finite volume method and domain decomposition of structural grid is used to compute impulse coupling coefficients of two laser thrusters with an acceleration of 10m/s2 at different altitudes for air-breathing laser propulsion.The curves of impulse coupling coefficients and altitude are found to agree well with experimental results without considering the inflow and air renewing.Results show that impulse coupling coefficients are obviously lower when the laser thruster has the flight speeds relatively to air,which induces that the switch range from air-breathing to rocket mode in single-stage-to-orbit laser propulsion descends to 10~20 km from 20~30 km forecasted at present.Impulse coupling coefficients are improved greatly by providing the required airflow at some operational flight speeds through inlet system,and design of the inlet system is one of the absolutely necessary key techniques in order to broaden the working range of air-breathing mode.

Key words: Laser propulsion;Coupling coefficient;Characteristics;Numerical simulation