Abstract
An experimental study on coaxial laser-electromagnetic hybrid thrusters was conducted. The laser-electromagnetic hybrid thruster, consisting of a coaxial electrode configuration with an annular copper anode and carbon fiber rod cathode was used to produce laser-induced plasmas, which were further accelerated by electromagnetic force to improve thrust performance. Experimental measurement of impulse bit and mass shot was conducted. From the measurement, thrust performance showed impulse-bit of 2 ∼ 45 μNsec, momentum coupling coefficient of 5 ∼ 14 μNsec/J, specific impulse of 1000 ∼ 1400 sec and thrust efficiency of 3 ∼ 5 % for charge energies 0 ∼ 8.6 J and a laser pulse energy of 120 mJ. In addition, a significant improvement of thrust performance, could be obtained with the use of alumina propellant, which were an impulse-bit (Ibit) of 60 μNsec, a specific impulse (Isp) of 6,000 sec, and a thrust efficiency of 20% at charge energy of 8.6 J.
