Numerical analysis of a combustion-driven gasdynamic laser

The performance of both benzene (C6H6) and kerosene (C12H24) for use as fuels in air combustion driven CW gasdynamic lasers is calculated. The calculations are performed for an equivalency air-fuel ratio equal to unity and the stagnation pressure equal to 15 atm, with geometric dimensions of the lasers being optimized for maximum net output radiation power per unit mass flow. The influence on laser performance of stagnation pressure, stagnation temperature, expansion ratio, and air/fuel ratio is discussed. Essential geometric and physical conditions necessary for realization of efficient CW gasdynamic lasers are identified for both fuels. The results obtained are in good agreement with those reported elsewhere. The calculations presented are based on the assumption of a resonator model which is somewhat abstract and may differ from an actual optical system chosen for the laser.