Use of a two-stage light-gas gun as an injector for electromagnetic railguns

A program was initiated to design, build and evaluate the performance of a two-stage light gas gun, utilizing hydrogen gas, for use as an injector to an electromagnetic railgun. This effort is part of a project to develop a hypervelocity electromagnetic launcher for equation-of-state studies (HELEOS). The specific design features that enhance compatibility of the injector with the railgun, including a slip-joint between the injector launch tube and the coupling to the railgun, are described. The operational capabilites for using all major projectile velocity measuring techniques, such as in-bore pressure gauges, laser and CW (continuous wave) X-ray interrupt techniques, flash X-ray, and continuous in-bore velocity measurements using VISAR interferometry, are discussed. An internal ballistics code for optimizing gun performance has been utilized to interpret performance data of the gun