Hypervelocity impact research - acceleration technology and applications - Original Research Article

Modern acceleration techniques like two- and three stage light gas guns, electrostatic and plasma accelerators, shaped charge launchers etc. will be reviewed and discussed with respect to their projectile mass and velocity ranges and their applicability for the experimental simulation of hypervelocity collisions. Recent studies in the fields of micrometeoroid/debris shielding (e.g. COLUMBUS Orbital Facility), as well as pressure vessel behavior under hypervelocity impact conditions will be presented as examples of applications.