Electrothermally generated gasdynamic pressure pulses for mass acceleration

A modified electrothermal accelerator has been applied which uses an extended breech volume and evaporation processes for pressure generation. Pressure generation and acceleration take place in two different phases. With currents of 5 kA, pressure values of 100 MPa have been generated in volumes of more than 150 ml for 7.5 ms. Heat losses can be neglected during the charging phase for these tests. Maximum velocities are achieved by maintaining the power supply during the acceleration phase. Masses in the gram range have been accelerated to velocities of more than 2300 m/s within a 1-m distance of acceleration. Compared to a conventional electrothermal accelerator, the electrical power could be reduced and a better barrel utilization has been shown