The LRT/TUM small caliber electrothermal accelerator

A small electrothermal particle accelerator has been developed for the purpose of simulating micrometeoroid and space debris impacts. The test range with the energy storage system, the experimental setup with all diagnostics, and the configuration of the accelerator are described. Emphasis is placed on the design of the discharge chamber. Experimental results for two designs and various geometries of the chamber are presented. The maximum particle velocity obtained is 5.2 km/s for a projectile with a mass of 28 mg.<
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