Particle launch to 19km/s for micro-meteoroid simulation using enhanced three-stage light gas gun hypervelocity launcher techniques

• Published in: International journal of impact engineering Vol. 33; no. 1-12; pp. 799 - 811
• Main Authors: Thornhill, T.F., Chhabildas, L.C., Reinhart, W.D., Davidson, D.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.2006
• ISSN: 0734-743X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2006.09.015

Particle launch experiments were performed to study application of the enhanced hypervelocity launcher (EHVL), i.e. the third-stage addition to the two-stage gun, for launching micron to millimeter sized particulates at velocities unobtainable with a standard two-stage light gas gun launch. Three types of particles or fliers were tested along with several barrel designs. For micron scale particles fine-grain polycrystalline ceramics were impacted and fractured, launching particulate clouds at velocities of 15km/s. Multiple titanium particles 400mum diameter embedded in plastic were 'shotgun' launched to velocities of 10km/s. Flier plates of 3mm diameter by 1mm thick Ti6Al4V were launched to 19km/s. All experiments used a second-stage projectile with graded density facing impacting a flier in an impact generated acceleration reservoir. This paper describes the modification and adaptation of the Sandia EHVL to provide micrometeoroid simulation capabilities.