Nonlinear model of laser supported deflagration waves

A one‐dimensional nonlinear model is formulated to describe the propagation of subsonic waves supported by laser radiation. The model includes the effects of radiation losses, radiative transport in the vacuum ultraviolet, and thermal diffusion. The nonlinear equation is solved by use of the method of quasi‐linearization. It is found that the nonlinear effects associated with the equation of state, thermal conductivity, and radiative properties of the gas significantly affect the temperature profile of the wave, but have little influence on the wave velocity. Calculations of the wave velocity for CO2 laser fluxes between 104 and 106 W/cm2 agree well with available experimental data.