Structural Design of a Lightcraft for Laser Propulsion

Abstract

With the suggestion of the laser propulsive technology and the development of the high energy laser technology, laser propelled vehicle will solve difficult problems, such as how to decrease the cost of rocket and how to raise zhe padload. A new type craft propelled by laser, lightcraft, is put forward in this paper.The reasonable physical model and fluid mechanics model, and preliminary studies are given to seek for the change law of thrust affected by the lightcraft's structure. Based on the calculation of numerical technique, a reasonable lightcraft's structure is designed. Because of it's low cost and high payloads, this new craft will be widely used in spaceflight field and push on the development of spaceflight technology.