A Laboratory Railgun for Terminal Ballistics and Arc Armature Research Studies

Abstract

A conceptual design was developed for a laboratory railgun suitable for both rac armature research and terminal ballistics studies. High utility and easy maintenance were the key design considerations. Parametric trade-off studies were conducted to evaluate and select the railgun parameters to achieve a system that accelerate a 120 gm launch package to 2 km/s. The design incorporates use of advanced materials for the bore components to minimize maintenance, and maximize performance through low bore erosion and deflection. The conceptual design includes features that allows easy replacement of the bore components for test evaluation; requires a minimum amount of manpower for assembly and operation; and has provision for the required test diagnostics. Keywords: Electromagnetic guns; Railgun; Arc armature; Advanced materials; Terminal ballistic.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA187225

Entities

People

  • Daniel L. Vrable
  • Kenneth J. Cheverton
  • Stuart N. Rosenwasser

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Advanced Materials
  • Assembly
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Composite Materials
  • Cost Estimates
  • Electromagnetic Guns
  • Fabrication
  • Geometry
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Mechanical Working
  • Mechanics
  • Refractory Metals
  • Technical Ceramics
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Marksmanship and Weaponry.