Dynamic Laser Craft

Moderator: NoXion

Post Reply
User avatar
NoXion
Posts: 556
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:51 pm
Location: Nova Mundi

Dynamic Laser Craft

Post by NoXion »

Dynamic Laser Craft

Propulsion System with Versatile Vehicles


Abstract:

The Dynamic Laser Craft is a single-stage vehicle that uses a variety of laser-based and solar propulsion schemes In order to produce thrust in a range of different environments and scenarios. These will be referred to as "modes" as they are incorporated into a single craft.


Mode 1: Lightcraft

The vehicle has a specially-shaped reflective surface at it's rear that focuses light pulses from a ground-based laser into an intense ring, where atmosphere is superheated and explosively expands. The motion of the craft through the atmosphere continually feeds new air into the focal point of the reflective surface (the ring previously mentioned). In this mode, the Dynamic Laser craft is spun around it's long axis for stabilisation.


Mode 2: Laser Thermal

In the upper atmosphere as well as space, lightcraft cannot function. Once the Dynamic Laser Craft has cleared the lower and middle atmosphere, reaction mass is injected into the focal point of the rear mirror, where like with the lightcraft it undergoes a process of explosive expansion. If the temperature is high enough, the reaction mass is turned into plasma which can be controlled and modulated with magnetic fields.


Mode 3: Solar Thermal

This mode is used when the Dynamic Laser Craft is out of the line of sight of a laser broadcoast station. This mode uses a parabolic solar sail which doubles as a large reflecting mirror, with which sunlight is focused on a boiling chamber containing reaction mass which is then expelled through a nozzle.


Mode 4: Solar Sail

The Dynamic Laser Craft has a limted amount of reaction mass. Once this is depleted, and the craft is unable to take advantage of a laser broadcast station, the vehicle goes into solar sail mode, subtly altering it's geometry to get the best possible thrust from both photon pressure and the solar wind.


Mode 5: Laser Sail

Using powerful laser broadcast stations orbiting the sun, with the aid of specially placed reflecting mirrors and focusing lenses further out into the solar system, the Dynamic Laser Craft can travel in the outer reaches of a star system or even through interstellar space to other star systems. In this mode, speeds of between 10% and 20% of lightspeed can be achieved in the course of an interstellar journey.


Comments:

It is sometimes possible to obviate the need for modes 3 and 4, if laser reflecting mirrors are present in Cislunar and interplanetary space. Alternatively, some of a star system's focusing lenses and laser reflecting mirrors can be devoted to intra-system as well as extra-system traffic.

The Dynamic Laser Craft is a comprehensive propulsion scheme, providing continuous transport from a planetary surface all the way to other star systems. Dynamic Laser Craft often form part of an intergated logistical network, circuiting a system of laser broadcast stations that can range from Cislunar to interstellar in scope. The vehicle's ability to operate independantly of laser broadcast stations enables it to function as a "bridge" between standard reaction drive equipped vessel and beamed-thrust systems.

On planets and moons without an atmosphere, Mode 1 can be substituted for Mode 2, or considering that most Dynamic Laser Craft are quite small, they can be launched from an electromagnetic accelerator or some other suitable device.

Due to the design of the rear focusing mirror, it has a trailing spike or spine, which can often form part of an Aerospike Engine, greatly increasing the flexibility of this vehicle.

During atmospheric re-entry, the boiling chamber can become hot enough to expel reaction mass. Most Dynamic Laser Craft designs take advantage of this by forcing the heated remass through retro-nozzles, enabling a softer landing.
User avatar
Ford Prefect
Posts: 957
Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 11:12 am

Re: Dynamic Laser Craft

Post by Ford Prefect »

It's something of a heavily themed Swiss army knife, and I rather like it. Though we had that discussion regarding slower thna light travel earlier, I rather enjoy the many different methods of travelling STL, even mroe so than FTL.
FEEL THESE GUNS ARCHWIND THESE ARE THE GUNS OF THE FLESHY MESSIAH THE TOOLS OF CREATION AND DESTRUCTION THAT WILL ENACT THE LAW OF MAN ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
User avatar
NoXion
Posts: 556
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:51 pm
Location: Nova Mundi

Re: Dynamic Laser Craft

Post by NoXion »

What are your thoughts as to what kind of role would suit a Dynamic Laser Craft?
User avatar
Ford Prefect
Posts: 957
Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 11:12 am

Re: Dynamic Laser Craft

Post by Ford Prefect »

Err, civillian transportation? You've implied that they're fairly small, so they're not appropriate for cargo hauling, and there are superior systems for military or government stuff.
FEEL THESE GUNS ARCHWIND THESE ARE THE GUNS OF THE FLESHY MESSIAH THE TOOLS OF CREATION AND DESTRUCTION THAT WILL ENACT THE LAW OF MAN ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Post Reply