Spectroscopic Studies of a Railgun Muzzle Flash

Abstract

In this report we demonstrate the powerful information which is obtainable from spectroscopic observations of the muzzle flash of a railgun. Spectra observed in the range 335 to 460 nm are presented and shown to be very complex. From identification of about 90 of the significant lines, a temperature of 30-35,000 K is estimated for the muzzle flash. From observations of A1 lines, due to placement of A1 plugs at varying distances from the muzzle, and the subsequent injection of atoms into the railgun plasma, we are able to show that A1 remains within the plasma for at least ten plasma lengths. The A1 concentration tends to decrease as a quadratic function of distance. Originator supplied keywords include: Electric guns; Railguns; Plasma spectroscopy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA156607

Entities

People

  • D. D. Richardson

Organizations

  • Defence Science and Technology Group

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Armatures
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chemistry
  • Elements
  • Frequency Shift
  • Guns
  • Identification
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Muzzle Flash
  • Observation
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Physical Properties
  • Spectra
  • Spectral Lines
  • Spectroscopy

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Theoretical Analysis.
  • ballistics.