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Recent results from the University of Washington's 38 mm ram acceleratorThe ram accelerator is a propulsive device that accelerates projectiles using gasdynamic cycles similar to those which generate thrust in airbreathing ramjets. The projectile, analogous to the centerbody of a ramjet, travels supersonically through a stationary tube containing a gaseous fuel and oxidizer mixture. The projectile itself carries no onboard propellant. A combustion zone follows the projectile and stabilizes the shock structure. The resulting pressure distribution continuously accelerates the projectile. Several modes of ram accelerator operation have been investigated experimentally and theoretically. At velocities below the Chapman-Jouguet (C-J) detonation speed of the propellant mixture, the thermally choked propulsion mode accelerates the projectiles. At projectile velocities between approximately 90 and 110 percent of the C-J speed, a transdetonative propulsion mode occurs. At velocities beyond 110 percent of the C-J speed, projectiles experience superdetonative propulsion. This paper presents recent experimental results from these propulsion modes obtained with the University of Washington's 38-mm bore ram accelerator. Data from investigations with hydrogen diluted-gas mixtures are also introduced.
Document ID
19920071539
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
De Turenne, J. A.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Chew, G.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Bruckner, A. P.
(Washington, University Seattle, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1992
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 92-3782
Accession Number
92A54163
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: F08635-89-C-0196
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG1-1288
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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