Measurement method and results of divergence angle of laser-controlled solid propellants used in space propulsion

The plume divergence angle is an important reference index for evaluating the thrust efficiency and propellant utilization of space propulsion systems. However, the characteristics of the dynamic variation of plume divergence angle over time cannot be measured using current methods. This paper utilizes high-speed photography and image processing methods to develop a strategy that can give a quick, non-destructive and real-time detection of the divergence angle. Effectiveness of the strategy is verified, and the characteristics of plume divergence angles of different laser-controlled solid propellants were further analyzed and fitted. The experimental results indicate that graphene could effectively reduce the divergence angle, while oxide-doped samples had larger divergence angles than alloy-doped and carbon-doped samples.