Laser ablation propulsion using shape-memory propellant

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K14245
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Aerospace engineering
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: YOKOTA Shigeru 筑波大学, システム情報系, 准教授 (30545778)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 宇宙推進 / レーザー推進

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of the laser ablation propulsion using magnetic fluid as a propellant. First, we verify if the magnetic fluid can be ablated experimentally. The surface shape of the magnetic fluid did not changed after the ablation. Secondly, we observed the splash during the ablation using a high-power laser. The result shows that the droplet generated by the ablation can be returned to the remaining propellant because it was attracted by the magnetic force.

Free Research Field

宇宙推進工学