Continuous-wave (F + H(2)) chemical lasers: a temperature-dependent analytical diffusion model.

Abstract

This study presents an analytical model for predicting the output performance of hydrogen fluoride (HF) chemical lasers generated by mixing atomic fluorine with molecular hydrogen in continuously flowing systems. The model integrates temperature-dependent solutions for premixed laser configurations with laminar and turbulent flame-sheet mixing approaches, yielding closed-form expressions under two boundary conditions: constant pressure (approximating a free jet) and constant density (approximating partially confined flow). Key assumptions, including a fully communicating cavity and characteristic reaction and deactivation lifetimes, are examined. Scaling relationships linking output power to total pressure and nozzle geometry are derived. Comparison against exact numerical solutions across a broad parameter space demonstrates consistent model accuracy within approximately 10%. The sensitivity of model predictions to kinetic rate parameters and the model's utility for systematic parameter studies are also discussed.