The reconnection gun

An electromagnetic launcher called the reconnection gun is introduced. Its potential performance is shown to be superior to that of a modern railgun for projectiles with mass greater than a few hundred grams. It has a "characteristic velocity" which is an order of magnitude lower for much lower energy loss to ohmic heating. Also, it has several advantages for producing higher acceleration including; no barrel, no drop in acceleration with increase in projectile mass, higher peak pressure on the projectile and smaller differences between average and peak pressure. Experimental results and plans for high-performance, multi-stage designs are briefly discussed.     

Hypervelocity acceleration and impact experiments with the LLNL electric guns

In the electric gun, the explosion of an electrically heated metal foil and the accompanying magnetic forces are used to accelerate a thin flyer plate to velocities as high as 18 km/s. Here we report preliminary results of a study to extend this capability to the acceleration of projectiles or particles ranging in size from micrometeorites to chunky projectiles with a mass as high as 0.5 g. We also have started code calculations of projectile impacts on thick aluminum witness plates for comparison with observations of experimentally produced cratering.     

Experimental and numerical studies on the behavior of thin aluminum plates subjected to impact by blunt- and hemispherical-nosed projectiles

Experiments were conducted on aluminum plates of 1 mm thickness by using a gas gun and projectiles with blunt and hemispherical noses. Target plate was impacted with varying impact velocity. Impact and residual velocities of the projectile were measured. Ballistic limit velocity was found to be higher for hemispherical projectiles than that for blunt projectiles. Effect of nose shape on the deformation of the plate was also studied. Numerical simulations of the impact were conducted by using an explicit finite element code (ABAQUS). Johnson–Cook elasto-viscoplastic model available in the code was used to carryout the analysis. Material property tests were carried out with the help of smooth and notched tensile test specimens. Results obtained from finite element simulations were compared with those of experiments. Good correlation was found between the two. It was observed that the element size significantly affects the numerical results; therefore a sufficiently refined mesh was used. Adaptive meshing was found helpful especially in the case of impact by a hemispherical projectile.     

Effect of projectile hardness on deformation and fracture behavior in the Taylor impact test

The ballistic perforation performance of a kinetic energy projectile would be much more influenced by the projectile’s deformation during the impact process. A projectile may suffer from large deformation and even fracture as more and more advanced materials are used as resistant components. A comparison investigation was presented in this study concerning the deformation and fracture behavior of kinetic energy projectiles manufactured from 38CrSi steel of two different hardness values. Flat-nosed projectiles were fired in a two-stage compressed gun test facility against hard steel plates within the velocity range of 200–600 m/s. The impact process was monitored by a high-speed camera. Experimental results showed that, for the soft projectiles there are three deformation and fracture modes, i.e., mushrooming, shear cracking and petalling, and that for the hard projectiles there are also three modes, mushrooming, shearing cracking and fragmentation.     

A new hypervelocity shotgun

This paper presents a technique for launching multiple, hypervelocity projectiles in a predictable pattern. The technique has been successfully applied to collections of 4–42 projectiles launched at velocities of 2 to 5 km/s. The projectile dispersion is obtained by impairing a pre-determined radial impulse to the collection of projectiles as the sabot exits the gun muzzle.     

Effect of projectile nose shape,impact velocity and target thickness on the deformation behavior of layered plates

The present study is based on the experimental and numerical investigations of deformation behavior of layered aluminum plates of different thicknesses under the impact of flat, ogive and hemispherical nosed steel projectiles. Thin-layered plates arranged in various combinations were normally impacted at different velocities with the help of a pneumatic gun. Ballistic limit velocity and the residual velocity of the projectiles for each layered combination were obtained experimentally as well as from the finite element code, and these were compared with those of the single plates of equivalent thicknesses. For two layers, the residual velocity was comparable to that of the single plate, however, when the number of layers was increased the velocity drop was found to be higher in the case of the single plate. Ogive nosed projectile was found to be the most efficient penetrator of the layered target. Hemispherical nosed projectile required maximum energy for perforation. Deformation profiles of the target plates in the layered combinations were measured, and it was found that hemispherical nosed projectile caused highest plastic deformation of target plates. Numerical simulation of the problem was carried out using finite element code ABAQUS. Explicit solution technique of the code was used to analyze the perforation phenomenon. Results of the finite element analysis were compared with experiments and a good agreement between the two was found.     

Penetration of limestone targets by ogive-nosed VAR 4340 steel projectiles at oblique angles: experiments and simulations

In this paper, we document the results of a combined experimental, analytical, and computational research program that investigates the penetration of steel projectiles into limestone targets at oblique angles. We first conducted a series of depth-of-penetration experiments using 20.0 g, 7.11-mm-diameter, 71.12-mm-long, vacuum-arc-remelted (VAR) 4340 ogive-nose steel projectiles. These projectiles were launched with striking velocities between 0.4 and 1.3 km/s using a 20-mm powder gun into 0.5 m square limestone target faces with angles of obliquity of 15° and 30°. Next, we employed the initial conditions obtained from the experiments with a technique that we have developed to calculate permanent projectile deformation without erosion. With this technique we use an explicit, transient dynamic, finite element code to model the projectile and an analytical forcing function based on the dynamic expansion of a spherical cavity to represent the target. Due to angle of obliquity we developed a new free surface effect model based on the solution of a dynamically expanding spherical cavity in a finite sphere of incompressible Mohr–Coulomb target material to account for the difference in target resistance acting on the top and bottom sides of the projectile. Results from the simulations show the final projectile positions are in good agreement with the positions obtained from post-test castings of the projectile trajectories.     

Impact of conical tungsten projectiles on flat silicon carbide targets: Transition from interface defeat to penetration

Normal impact of conical tungsten projectiles on flat silicon carbide targets was studied experimentally and numerically for half apex angles 5° and 5–15°, respectively, and comparisons were made with cylindrical projectiles. A 30 mm powder gun and two 150 kV and four 450 kV X-ray flashes were used in the impact tests. The numerical simulations were run with the Autodyn code in two steps. In the first, the surface loads were determined for different impact velocities under assumed condition of interface defeat. In the second, these surface loads were applied to the targets in order to obtain critical states of damage and failure related to the transition between interface defeat and penetration, and the corresponding critical velocities. In the impact tests, interface defeat occurred below a transition velocity, which was significantly lower for the conical than for the cylindrical projectiles. Above the transition velocity, the initial penetration of conical projectiles differed markedly from that usually observed for cylindrical projectiles. It occurred along a cone-shaped surface crack, qualitatively corresponding to surface failure observed in the simulations. The transition velocity for the conical projectile was found to be close to the critical velocity associated with this surface failure.     

Continuous measurements of in-bore projectile velocity

The application of velocity interferometry to the continuous measurement of in-bore projectile velocity in a small-bore three-stage railgun is described. These measurements are useful for determining projectile acceleration and for evaluating gun performance. The launcher used in these studies consists of a two-stage light gas gun used to inject projectiles into a railgun for additional acceleration. Results obtained for projectile velocities to 7.4 km/s with the two-stage injector are reported, and potential improvements for railgun applications are discussed     

Electromagnetic gun/projectile interface considerations

Projectile/electromagnetic-gun interface design considerations for electromagnetic gun weapon system (EMGWS) area D1 projectiles, area B-guns, and area C-guns are presented. Projectile/EM gun interfaces are primary considerations in the projectile structural design and the design of the sabot obturator/bore rider, pusher plate, and armature. Acceleration profile, armature type and mass, preinjector characteristics, bore pressure, magnetic fields, and plasma temperature are all key issues in the ultimate projectile performance. Armature design is a critical technical issue for both the projectile and EM gun design because of the high masses involved. Solid armatures are heavier than plasma armatures, but operate at higher electrical efficiencies. Plasma armatures are both being considered for the B-guns and C-guns. Performance tradeoffs are presented for penetration versus peak acceleration and armature mass. Contributors to projectile dispersion such as in-bore balloting, projectile spin, and EM launcher muzzle arc effects are assessed     

Penetration of 6061-T6511 aluminum targets by ogive-nosed VAR 4340 steel projectiles at oblique angles: experiments and simulations

In this paper we present the results from a combined experimental, analytical, and computational penetration program. First, we conducted a series of depth-of-penetration experiments using 0.021 kg, 7.11 mm diameter, 71.12 mm long, vacuum-arc-remelted 4340 ogive-nose steel projectiles. These projectiles were launched with striking velocities between 0.5 and 1.3 km/s using a 20 mm powder gun into 254 mm diameter, 6061-T6511 aluminum targets with angles of obliquity of 15°, 30°, and 45°. Next, we employed the initial conditions obtained from the experiments with a new technique that we have developed to calculate permanent projectile deformation without erosion. With this technique we use an explicit, transient dynamic, finite element code to model the projectile and an analytical forcing function derived from the dynamic expansion of a spherical cavity (which accounts for compressibility, strain hardening, strain-rate sensitivity, and a finite boundary) to represent the target. Results from the simulations show the final projectile positions are in good agreement with the positions obtained from post-test radiographs.     

Damage evolution and energy absorption of E-glass/polypropylene laminates subjected to ballistic impact

High-velocity transverse impact of laminated fiber reinforced composites is of interest in military, marine and structural applications. The overall objective of this work was to investigate the behavior of laminated thermoplastic composites of varying thicknesses under high-velocity impact from an experimental and modeling viewpoint. In order to analyze this problem, a series of ballistic impact tests have been performed on plain weave E-glass/polypropylene (E-glass/PP) composites of different thicknesses using 0.30 and 0.50 caliber right-cylinder shaped projectiles. A gas gun with a sabot stripper mechanism was employed to impact the panels. In order to analyze the perforation mechanisms, ballistic limit and damage evaluation, an explicit three-dimensional finite element code LS-DYNA was used. Material model 162, a progressive failure model based on modified Hashin’s criteria, has been assigned to analyze failure of the laminate. The projectile was modeled using Material model 3 (MAT_PLASTIC_KINEMATIC). The laminates and the projectile were meshed using brick elements with single integration points. The impact velocity ranged from 187 to 332 m s⁻¹. Good agreement between the numerical and experimental results was attained in terms of predicting ballistic limit, delamination and energy absorption of E-glass/PP laminate.     

The effect of target strength on the perforation of steel plates using three different projectile nose shapes

The effect of target strength on the perforation of steel plates is studied. Three structural steels are considered: Weldox 460 E, Weldox 700 E and Weldox 900 E. The effects of strain hardening, strain rate hardening, temperature softening and stress triaxiality on material strength and ductility are determined for these steel alloys by conducting three types of tensile tests: quasi-static tests with smooth and notched specimens, quasi-static tests at elevated temperatures and dynamic tests over a wide range of strain rates. The test data are used to determine material constants for the three different steels in a slightly modified version of the Johnson–Cook constitutive equation and fracture criterion.Using these three steel alloys, perforation tests are carried out on 12 mm-thick plates with blunt-, conical- and ogival-nosed projectiles. A compressed gas gun was used to launch projectiles within the velocity range from 150 to 350 m/s. The initial and residual velocities of the projectile were measured, while the perforation process was captured using a digital high-speed camera system. Based on the test data the ballistic limit velocity was obtained for the three steels for the different nose shapes. The experimental results indicate that for perforation with blunt projectiles the ballistic limit velocity decreases for increasing strength, while the opposite trend is found in tests with conical and ogival projectiles. The tests on Weldox 700 E and Weldox 900 E targets with conical-nosed projectiles resulted in shattering of the projectile nose tip during penetration.Finally, numerical simulations of some of the experimental tests are carried out using the non-linear finite element code LS-DYNA. It is found that the numerical code is able to describe the physical mechanisms in the perforation events with good accuracy. However, the experimental trend of a decrease in ballistic limit with an increase in target strength for blunt projectiles is not obtained with the numerical models used in this study.     

Predicting the fragmentation onset velocity for different metallic projectiles using numerical simulations

For cubes and spheres under high velocity impact there exists for each system of projectile and target, a threshold velocity that is just sufficient to shatter the projectile. This velocity, usually above 2km/s for metallic projectiles, is known as the fragmentation onset velocity. To determine the fragmentation onset velocity experimentally, a number of experiments in which the impact velocity of the projectile is varied in a controlled manner needs to be conducted [1]. In the work described in this paper, the numerical analysis code AUTODYN was used to simulate the impact of stainless steel and tantalum projectiles onto transparent targets in an attempt to simulate the onset of fragmentation. Using the meshfree SPH method for discretizing the spatial domain of the projectile and a simple failure model that allows the critical spall stress of the material to vary with the local material and loading conditions, encouraging results were obtained, with the fragmentation onset velocity for both projectile/target configurations being reasonably well predicted. In addition, further experiments conducted at TNO-PML, to determine the fragmentation onset velocity for tungsten projectiles, will be reported.     

弹体头部形状对碳纤维层合板抗冲击性能影响实验研究

为研究弹体头部形状对碳纤维层合板抗冲击性能的影响,利用一级气炮发射卵形头弹、半球形头弹和平头弹,对2 mm厚碳纤维层合板进行了冲击实验。利用公式拟合处理实验数据,揭示弹体头部形状对靶板弹道极限与能量吸收的影响,并且分析靶板冲击损伤形貌及机理特征。研究结果表明:平头弹弹道极限最高,半球形头弹次之,卵形头弹最低。弹体在低速度冲击时,弹体头部形状对靶板能量吸收率的影响更为显著。平头弹冲击时,靶板迎弹面受到均匀分布的环向剪切力,纤维同时被剪切,基体发生大面积剪切破坏。半球形头弹冲击时,靶板迎弹面受到非均匀分布的剪切力和挤压作用,纤维发生剪切断裂和拉伸断裂,基体发生剪切破坏和挤压破碎。卵形头弹冲击时,纤维发生单一的拉伸断裂,而基体则发生挤压破碎。弹体头部形状对靶板损伤的影响主要集中在迎弹面和中部纤维层。     

主控因素对异型头弹丸半侵彻金属靶深度的影响特性研究

为研究异型头弹丸半侵彻金属靶的侵深特性,基于量纲方法对影响侵深的主控因素进行了分析,采用弹道枪加载和LS-DYNA软件对异型头弹丸半侵彻金属靶的作用过程进行了试验和数值模拟研究,分析了异型头弹丸结构、弹丸初速、靶板厚度等因素对侵彻深度的影响规律,获得了侵深随弹丸初速以及靶板厚度的变化曲线。研究结果表明,弹丸初速和靶板厚度是影响侵彻深度的关键因素,并拟合得到了弹丸初速和靶板厚度综合影响下的半侵彻侵深经验公式。研究结果可为半侵彻作用的研究及新型侵彻的工程计算方法等提供参考。     

Micrometeorite impact simulation at EMI — a review

Activities at EMI in the field of hypervelocity impact techniques are reported. Optimization experiments have been carried out with a light gas gun in order to achieve projectile velocities up to 10 km/s. Different methods for measuring the projectile velocities have been developed and adapted according to respective velocity and mass ranges of projectiles. Experimental efforts have been undertaken to accelerate also microgram particles in light gas guns. Masses as small as 37 μg can be accelerated as individual particles. As examples, several contributions to recent space projects are described.     

Explosive gun launcher for impact studies

We have modified the design of an explosive gun launcher described at the Third Symposium on Hypervelocity Impact for use with pre-cast explosive charges and to provide performance information for steel projectiles. Other modifications include additional confinement of the detonation products, a longer barrel and longer conical transition from breech to barrel, provision for dynamic sealing of the access hole for the detonator wires, and additional buffering to prevent spall fracture of the projectile in the barrel. The modified gun launched a 12.1 gram steel projectile to a measured velocity of 3.2 km/s. Computational simulations have been performed to determine the effects of changes in the projectile density, confinement material density, and explosive type. The use of recyclable confinement material is discussed.     

Development of the high-velocity gas-dynamics gun

The subjects of this paper are the historical overview and development of the high-velocity gas-dynamics gun. These are guns that derive their energy from a reservoir of compressed gas. Other 3uns derive their energy from electricity or from high explosive. Their historical overviews and developments are covered in papers by Mr. William Weldon and Mr. Alex Wenzel.

The gas dynamics gun is viewed first from the standpoint of modern technology. An idealized configuration, the “Reference Gun”, is analysed in order to quantify the effects of gun diameter and length, projectile mass, and propellant gas pressure and composition. The analysis assumes that the propellant is an ideal gas, and formulae are derived for the base pressure and velocity of the projectile as functions of the size and loading parameters of the gun. The analysis demonstrates that the prime requirements for high velocity are a high gas pressure, a low molecular weight gas, a light projectile, and a long gun.

The history of guns is reviewed briefly from 14th century black-powder muzzle-loaders to 20th century, nitrocellulose -propellant, breech-loaded guns. The velocity limit of the modern gun is shown to be around 3 km/s, if the gun is loaded with nitrocellulose propellant and is very long (200 calibers). However, if the gun is loaded with hydrogen and the length doubled, it is shown that the velocity limit can be increased to 7 km/s, thus approaching current needs.

The problem of using hydrogen has been solved by the invention of the piston-compression light-gas gun (PCLGG). However, the limited strength of the fragile, sabot-model projectiles of experimental research has capped the maximum acceleration and has placed a demand on the gun's operating cycle to generate a constant pressure at the base of the projectile for the launching run. This second problem has been partially solved by the invention of a modification to the PCLGG known as the piston-compression, accelerated-reservoir, light-gas gun (PCARLGG). Both the PCLGG and the PCARLGG are described. The performance of the PCARLGG has been analyzed by a hydrocode developed for this purpose, and the results of the calculations are presented and compared with experiment.

The concept of a frictionless, adiabatic “Ideal Gun” is introduced in order to simplify the analysis of performance. It is shown that the performance of any ideal gun is given by a simple equation involving two dimensionless parameters that relate the projectile's velocity to its mass, its average base pressure, and the diameter and length of the gun. Based on the ideal gun equation, the maximum operating velocity of the gas-dynamics gun is estimated to be about 12 km/s.