ABSTRACT
In the physics of fluid flow associated with gas-dynamic and chemical lasers, the fundamental consideration is the characteristic time and length scales involved in the lasing process in relation to the scales of significance in the gas-dynamic phenomena. Once we have identified which of those are critical and which of those can be improved to advantage through fluid-dynamic considerations, one can examine/the scope for advances through analysis and measurements. In that context, the following areas are of crucial importance: gas-dynamic processes leading to inversion, gas-dynamic–chemical kinetic interactions, gas-dynamic–optical interactions and system starting and operational considerations.
In each case, the problems of design, analysis and experimental diagnostics have been solved in many respects but important advances are required if flow lasers are to fulfil the more significant missions of current interest.
