Directed Energy Deposition to Facilitate High Speed Applications
OwnerKevin Kremeyerinventor
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Abstract
The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for controlling the density of a fluid near a functional object in order to improve one or more relevant performance metrics. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to forming a low density region near the object utilizing a directed energy deposition device to deposit energy along one or more paths in the fluid. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to synchronizing energy deposition with one or more parameters impacting the functional performance of the object.
Claims20
A method of assisting a moving object or vehicle through a fluid by depositing energy co-incident with the travel path of the moving object and timing the parameters of the energy deposition (e.g., length, width, quantity of energy, pulse length) to effect the travel of the moving object in addition to reducing drag on the moving object through a lower density region.
A method of propelling a vehicle through a fluid, the method comprising:
- i) impulsively heating a portion of the fluid to form a lower density region;
- ii) directing at least a portion of the vehicle into the lower density region;
- synchronized with
- iii) detonating a reactant in a pulsed propulsion unit propelling the vehicle.
A vehicle comprising:
- i) a directed energy deposition device comprising:
- a) a laser subassembly configured to generate at least one path in a portion of a fluid surrounding the vehicle;
- b) a pulsed electrical discharge generator configured to deposit energy along the at least one path;
- and
- ii) a pulse detonation engine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.