Effects of Ion Beam Waveform on Flyer Acceleration Produced by Pulsed Ion Beam Ablation Plasma

The main objective of the current study is to clarify the influence of ion beam waveform and to investigate the momentum producing capability of flyer acceleration for propulsion applications, which is produced by irradiating target materials with pulsed ion beam. Al thin foil with a thickness of 50 μm was used to form the high-pressure, high-temperature, and high-energy density ablation plasma when it interacts with pulsed ion beam. The analytical procedures are based on one-dimensional hydrodynamic equations together with a real gas equation of state. This paper presents not only the physical parameters of pulsed ion beam interaction with a target, but also shows the effects of ion beam waveform on momentum production. In addition, we describe the mechanism of ablation pressure formation and compare the results obtained for the rectangular and the parabolic waveform of ion beam irradiation. An ion beam with parabolic waveform produces ablation pressure more efficiently than a rectangular waveform. Propulsion performance is also estimated. An impulse bit of 50.7 mNs and a specific impulse of 5200 s are obtained at an electric power consumption of 1677 W.