| Career Summary |
1987: Graduated, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
1992: Doctor of Engineering from The University of Tokyo
1992: Research Associate, Nagoya University
1995: Lecturer, Nagoya University
1996: Visiting Researcher, University of Minnesota
1998: Associate Professor, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
1999: Associate Professor, School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo (Current Position)
2000: Visiting Researcher, University of Stuttgart
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| Educational Activities |
Graduate school:Propulsion and Energy Systems, Advanced Energy Conversion
Graduate school of Engineering:Special Lecture on Space Propulsion
Faculty of Engineering:Space Engineering Exercises, Space Propulsion 1 & 2
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| Research Activities |
Space Propulsion, Energy Beaming, Control and Diagnosis of Plasma Flows, Hypersonic Flows, and High Enthalpy Flows.
1) Laser Propulsion, Microwave Propulsion
We are proposing alternative launch systems to conventional chemical rockets. Laser/Microwave beaming propulsions have a capability to reduce the current launch cost by two orders. A "Microwave Rocket" using a 1MW-output Gyrotron is under development in cooperation with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency.
2) Arc Heaters and Diode-Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Arc-heaters have been developed as an atomic oxygen generator for TPS catalysis researches. The population of atomic oxygen in a plume has been measured using a Laser Absorption Spectroscopy system. We are currently undertaking a challenge to enhance its sensitivity by Intra-Cavity LAS, Cavity Enhanced LAS, Integrated Cavity Enhanced LAS, etc.
3) Hall Thruster (Electric Propulsion)
Discharge oscillation of an Anode-layer type Hall thruster is simulated by PIC-DSMC code. A new two-axis thrust stand applicable to high power thrusters has been developed. Plume characterization by laser diagnostics for the plume shield design optimization is currently underway.
4) Energy Beaming
Wireless energy supply to Unmanned Aerial/ Micro Air Vehicles has been achieved via a microwave phase array antenna. An optical phased array is also studied for space energy transmission from solar power satellites to laser propelled space vehicles.
Arc-heater plume
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Literature
1) Mori, K., Komurasaki, K., Arakawa, Y.: Journal of Applied Physics, 92(10), 5663-5667, 2002.
2) Komurasaki, K., Arakawa, Y.: J. Propulsion and Power, 11(6), 1317-1323, 1995.
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| Other Activities |
The Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences (JSASS)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Institute of Applied Plasma Sciences
The Laser Society of Japan
The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME)
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| Future Plan |
We aim to develope a new approach to issues associated with future Space Transportation and Space Energy. Although some pioneering ideas sound like science fiction, we interpret them using present physics, realize them using current technologies and assess their feasibilities, thus creating a bridge between dream and reality. A variety of sciences, such as laser engineering, quantum mechanics and semiconductor engineering, as well as the fundamental physics of aerodynamics and thermodynamics will be integrated for this purpose.
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| Messages to Students |
As gasoline engines are being replaced by electric motors, can we expect the replacement of conventional chemical rockets by non-chemical rockets? Such questions require young scientists who bravely challenge issues with new ideas. I hope that here, in kashiwa campus, we can pursue these challenges in different manner from Hongo campus.
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