Characterization of a simple explosively driven particle acceleration

Experiments are carried out to characterize the performance of a compact cylindrical (2-inch x 3-inch-long) single-point detonation ring-lit fast shock tube that has been designed to accelerate particles to velocity in excess of 10 km/s. The experimental results from the study of propellant flow and plate acceleration will be presented and compared with the code calculation. Various interesting measurement techniques will also be discussed.