Quasi-one-dimensional kinetic theory model of laser ablation of carbon

The paper compares the predictions of the quasi-one-dimensional and one-dimensional kinetic theory models of laser ablation of carbon based on the moment solution of the Boltzmann equation for arbitrary strong evaporation. The quasi-one-dimensional model still assumes one-dimensional flow but tries to account for more realistic spatial distribution of the laser intensity. Both models estimate the total ablated mass reasonably well. However, comparison of the predictions of the models shows that the pure one-dimensional results represent spatially averaged values that ignore considerable radial nonuniformity existing in the physical situation. The radial motion due to this nonuniformity can be accounted only in the full two-dimensional calculation.