Numerical and experimental investigation of laser propulsion

Aiming at the application of laser propulsion to stratospheric flight, we propose here a repetitive propulsion system, friction-less environment and metal-free ablation in a water cannon target. A special reservoir of water is proposed to supply a definite amount of water only at the time of laser irradiation. This system is tested for the object levitated on the airflow, which is called “air-slider” in order to simulate friction-less environment. In order to avoid the evaporation and freezing of water in lower atmospheric pressures, we propose here an “air curtain” system. We have performed simulations and experiments and confirmed that a small amount of air flow can sustain the high pressure inside the water reservoir.