A breakdown surface model for thermal backscattering from the exhaust plume of a space-based HF laser
By: Joseph Falcovitz
Contributors: Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School
Published: 1986
Place of publication: Monterey, California
Language: eng
Number of pages: 41
Subjects: Space vehicles; Contamination; Chemical lasers
Other titles: NPS-67-86-002CR.
Description: The purpose of this report is to present a breakdown surface model for evaluating thermal backscattering flow from the supersonic exhaust plume of a gaseous mixture of H, HF, H2, DF and He. Fluxes of these species are considered separately. The model is carefully analyzed and is shown to overestimate the flux. Actual flux levels of the heavy corrosive molecules (HD, DF) have been found to be exceedingly low. It is concluded that the contribution of thermal backscattering to contaminating flux of HF and DF can be neglected.
Notes: "NPS-67-86-002CR."

Cover title.

"Contractor report."

"June 1986."

"Prepared for: Strategic Defense Initiative Office, Washington, DC 20301-7100."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 20).

"Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited"--Cover.

Technical report; 1986.

ck/ 4/2/09.