Ram Accelerator Experiments Leading to Operation at Fill Pressures up to 20 MPa

An experimental investigation of ram accelerator operational characteristics at fill pressures up to 20 MPa has been carried out in the 38-mm-bore test facility at the University of Washington. The minimum requirements for successfully starting titanium alloy projectiles at an entrance velocity of 1250 m/s and maintaining ram accelerator operation for 4 meters in 20 MPa propellant were determined. Velocity gains greater than 1000 m/s were achieved and average accelerations of 46,000 g with 118 gm projectiles were attained. An overview of the experimental results leading up to the successful conclusion of this phase of the ram accelerator research program is presented.

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