Technology of thermal hypervelocity launchers

Journal Article · Fri Oct 31 23:00:00 EST 1986 · IEEE Trans. Magn.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TMAG.1986.1064634· OSTI ID:5732622

Powell, J R; Horn, F L; Benenati, R; Lowrey, A

A new type of hypervelocity launcher is described, the Thermal Hypervelocity Launcher (THL). The THL uses stored thermal energy in a compact, lightweight particle bed heater to rapidly (milliseconds) heat a high pressure low molecular weight propellant (hydrogen or helium). The hot propellant then expands in a conventional barrel accelerating the projectile. The THL can achieve velocities up to -- 12 kn/sec. The technology of the THL is described, including experiments on thermal-hydraulics of particle bed heaters. An experiment to demonstrate THL operation with 100 gram projectiles at 3 km/sec is being attempted.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY 11973
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH00016
• OSTI ID: 5732622
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Magn.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Magn.; (United States) Vol. MAG-22:6; ISSN IEMGA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420800* -- Engineering-- Electronic Circuits & Devices-- (-1989)
ACCELERATORS
DESIGN
ELEMENTS
FLUID MECHANICS
FLUIDS
GASES
HEATERS
HELIUM
HYDRAULICS
HYDROGEN
MECHANICS
NONMETALS
OPERATION
PACKED BED
PROJECTILES
PROPELLANTS
RARE GASES
THERMODYNAMICS
TUBES