Abstract
Two basic principles of the ablation plasma expansion, namely a flyer acceleration and an i-BAR (ion beam ablation rocket) arc analyzed to investigate the momentum-producing capability of an ion beam-target interaction. When a target is irradiated with an iron beam, it separates into two parts; one part evaporates forming the ablation plasma, while the unevaporated residue (remaining part) is termed a flyer. This is called a flyer acceleration concept. On the other hand, in the case of the i-BAR, a target is fully-evaporated forming a high momentum ablation plasma driving a spacecraft forward. This paper presents the comparison of the numerical results of both models and evaluates a possible application for space propulsion. In order to explain the hydrodynamic variables and the ablation formation phenomenon, a one-dimensional hydrodynamic model is used and is solved by the Langrangian coordinate. The i-BAR, shows a greater momentum-producing capability than the flyer acceleration concept. In addition, thrust-producing capability over a wide range of ion beam energy densities is investigated.
