Mechanism Analysis of Space Debris Removal by Nanosecond Pulsed Laser

In this study, a numerical model is used to study the mechanism of laser ablation for space debris removal. The model couples the physical processes involved in laser ablation, including the heating, melting and evaporation of target (i.e. Aluminum), the formation of plume and plasma, and plasma shielding. Validation of the model is performed by comparing the simulated impulse density and impulse coupling coefficient with experimental data, showing the availability of the model in accurately describing the processes involved in laser ablation for removing space debris. The effects of laser irradiance, wavelength and pulse width on laser ablation were systematically studied by the model. In addition, the continuous laser ablation is explored and the effect of the laser pulse time interval is demonstrated. The results show that laser irradiation and pulse width have a significant impact on laser ablation, while the impact of wavelength is much smaller compared to the former two. In addition, using two short duration laser ablation instead of a long duration can significantly improve the impulse density obtained by the target and the corresponding impulse coupling coefficient, but the time interval between two laser pulses should not be too long.