Accession Number:

ADA010618

Title:

Preliminary Study on the Use of Ceramic Nozzle Arrays in Gas Dynamic Lasers.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 1 Jan-1 Dec 74,

Corporate Author:

AEROSPACE RESEARCH LABS WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OHIO

Personal Author(s):

• Jacobson,Loren A.
• Drewry,James E.

Report Date:

1975-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

37.0

Abstract:

One of the more difficult and costly problem areas in the development of high energy gas dynamic lasers GDL has been the nozzle array which is used to achieve freezing of the vibrational energy mode via rapid expansion of nitrogen from high temperature plenum conditions. A model gas dynamic laser nozzle array fabricated from hot-pressed silicon nitride components has been successfully tested under thermal cycling air flow conditions to temperatures of 1150K. Excellent dimensional stability was shown by the center nozzle of the three nozzle assembly, and post-test examination of the components revealed no degradation of the materials. These findings suggest that ceramic materials offer important benefits to GDL systems.

Descriptors:

• *SUPERSONIC NOZZLES
• *SILICON NITRIDES
• *GAS DYNAMIC LASERS
• LASER CAVITIES
• MOLECULAR VIBRATION
• PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING)
• HIGH TEMPERATURE
• NITROGEN
• CERAMIC MATERIALS
• SUPERSONIC FLOW

Subject Categories:

• Lasers and Masers
• Ceramics, Refractories and Glass

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE