Investigation of Rapid Pressurization Techniques for the Ram Accelerator
Abstract
This research program demonstrated that flared-cup diaphragms made from polycarbonate can be shot down a smooth bore tube and that they form a tight pressure seal wherever they come to rest. Control of the stopping position was achieved by shooting the cup diaphragm with excess velocity into a tube insert that had serrated ridges formed by cutting annular grooves inside the tube walls. The combination of internal pressurization and spring tension forces pushed the walls of the cup diaphragm deeply into the grooves of the insert which abruptly stopped the diaphragm movement and formed a good pressure seal. Live-fire ram accelerator experiments showed that projectiles with magnesium nose tips can readily penetrate the thick-walled polycarbonate diaphragms without any impact on ram accelerator performance, and that the diaphragm fragments are completely blown out of the catcher insert every time. These experimental results demonstrated that a breech-loaded diaphragm system can be readily implemented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 13, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417707
Entities
People
- Adam P. Bruckner
- Carl Knowlen
Organizations
- University of Washington