A gasdynamic laser using products of acetylene explosions
Abstract
A combustion pulse explosive gasdynamic laser (GDL) has been used to investigate the characteristics of acetylene-air fuel combustion products flow. The 2-liter GDL spherical explosion chamber was connected to the nozzle grid by a flat widening adapter. The chamber and adapter volumes were separated with a copper diaphragm. The explosion products escaped through the nozzle grid to the evacuated 200-liter damper tank with probe windows on the side walls. The nozzle grid (500 mm wide) consisted of ten variable nozzle blades. To obtain a uniform flow in the outlet section, the nozzles were profiled (0.35 mm nozzle throat and 140 area ratio). Gain measurement was carried out in two sections behind the nozzle grid edge. Experimental values of the gain, obtained over the pressure region from 5 to 100 atm at 1800 and 2500 K, is in satisfactory agreement with calculations. Acetylene, nitrogen, and nitrous oxide mixtures produced the best energy characteristics over the investigated experimental region. The specific stored energy values in such mixtures can be as high as 120 J/g, with the pressure from 6 to 10 atm and a temperature of 3100 K.
- Publication:
-
Flames, Lasers, and Reactive Systems
- Pub Date:
- 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983flrs.rept..391B
- Keywords:
-
- Combustion Products;
- Gasdynamic Lasers;
- Laser Materials;
- Acetylene;
- Explosions;
- Gas Mixtures;
- Kinetic Equations;
- Nozzle Flow;
- Power Gain;
- Lasers and Masers