Optimization of a compact two-stage light-gas gun aiming at a velocity of 9 km/s

Abstract

We developed a compact two-stage light-gas gun and optimized several operating parameters for aiming at velocities higher than 9 km/s. A firing test achieved a velocity of 6.2 km/s using helium as driver gas with a projectile weighing 0.6 g and a piston weighing 430 g. In the case of firing tests using hydrogen, a velocity of 8.1 km/s was obtained under the same condition. Moreover, it was found that higher velocities could be achieved by using a lighter piston to increase piston velocities, and that the efficiency of acceleration strongly depended on the initial gas pressure for each piston. Finally, a projectile velocity of 8.9 km/s was achieved using a piston weighing 290 g.