A general theory of thermal distortions of high energy laser mirrors, including the effects of pulses
Abstract
An analytical theory for the thermal distortion of liquid cooled high power lasers is presented, based on solutions to the heat conduction, elasticity, and plate bending equations. Results are presented for the temperature profile, normal distortion, and bending distortions due to non-uniform absorbed flux distributions, including sinusoidal, central obscuration, central heating, and astigmatism due to turning flats. Expressions were also derived for distortions due to coolant pressurization, and an optimum coolant heat transfer coefficient was derived. The stresses due to pulsed irradiation were also calculated. The results from the derived expressions are in good agreement with available data.
- Publication:
-
American Society of Mechanical Engineers and American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Joint National Heat Transfer Conference
- Pub Date:
- July 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980ceht.confT....S
- Keywords:
-
- High Power Lasers;
- Mirrors;
- Pulsed Lasers;
- Temperature Effects;
- Coolants;
- Heat Transfer Coefficients;
- Irradiance;
- Liquid Cooling;
- Performance Prediction;
- Lasers and Masers