Theoretical calculation and experimental investigation of multi-layer flyer driven by pulsed laser beam

A calculation model of laser-driven multi-layer flyer velocity was established based on Gurney theory. By modifying laser energy absorption coefficient, the velocity of the multi-layer flyer driven by laser pulse beam was calculated. The effects of layer materials and layer configuration on the flyer velocity were analyzed. The multi-layer film configuration which was capable of forming high velocity flyer was decided. An intense laser driven multi-layer flyer experiment was conducted, in which piezoelectric film sensors were employed to measure the flight time of flyer traveling different distances. The velocity and acceleration of flyer were obtained. The results show that the acceleration characteristics of multi-layer flyer driven by different laser energies are similar. Laser energy has little influence on acceleration time. The flyer velocity increases at first and then decreases with the increase of ablation depth. Ablation layer has an optimal depth for energy absorption at different energies.