Numerical study on thermal load of laser reflecting focusing system

Fu Qiang Cheng; Yan Ji Hong

doi:10.1117/12.2010886

Translator Disclaimer

16 May 2013 Numerical study on thermal load of laser reflecting focusing system

Fu Qiang Cheng; Yan Ji Hong

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8796, 2nd International Symposium on Laser Interaction with Matter (LIMIS 2012); 87960B (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2010886
Event: 2nd International Symposium on Laser Interaction with Matter (LIMIS 2012), 2012, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

Abstract

In laser thrusters, the reflectors of the focusing system work under high-intensity laser radiation. The material choice of the reflectors is quite important due to thermal load raised by laser absorption. Meanwhile the endurance of heavy thermal load should be attributed to the metallic reflectors with low laser energy absorption ratio. Based on two-dimension heat conduction equation and several approximations, this study investigates the melting time and thermal deformation characteristics for three kind of metallic materials that are of high heat specific heat, high conductivity and high melting point, and so are some alloys. Calculated through Finite Differential Method, the results show that, as for the twice reflecting focusing system, the thermal load is quite remarkable for the both reflectors and is more serious for the second one, while different materials present distinct thermal endurance performance. For the materials under study, the beryllium mirrors featuring higher specific heat could endure longer laser radiation and may prolong the work time. Moreover, if the reflecting mirror is required to work under high laser radiation for longer time, the aid of cooling system maybe indispensable.

Citation Download Citation

Fu Qiang Cheng and Yan Ji Hong "Numerical study on thermal load of laser reflecting focusing system", Proc. SPIE 8796, 2nd International Symposium on Laser Interaction with Matter (LIMIS 2012), 87960B (16 May 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2010886

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE