Materials for laser propulsion: "liquid" polymers

Abstract

The application of energetic polymers has resulted in an increased thrust in micro laser plasma thrusters compared to standard polymers. In this study we tested a novel concept for micro laser plasma thrusters, i.e. the application of liquid polymeric fuels, by using polymer solutions of the energetic materials with different viscosity. Shadowgraphy experiments suggest that for higher viscosity solutions ablation without splashing is possible, indicating that liquids are applicable as fuels in laser plasma thrusters. First thrust measurements on a viscous polymer solution confirmed this by yielding a specific impulse similar to a solid material.