Launch package for multiple-rod hypervelocity impact investigation

Today the electrodischarge light-gas launcher (EDL) is not only the subject of investigation, but may be a suitable tool for different kinds of explorations. Such a hypervelocity accelerator gives the possibility to carry out experiments on impact interaction over a wide range of velocities (up to several kilometers per second) with substantial accelerated body masses. This experiment demands the creation of special impactor which in turn requires the launch package design. This paper considers the development of launch package for multiple rod hypervelocity impact investigation. Distinctive features of multiple rod impact investigation are the requirements to the simultaneity and desired impact geometry of interaction (mutual position of penetrators and approach angle). To meet all mentioned demands penetrators were placed in inseparable holding cartridge. The exact approach angle was ensured by means of aerodynamic stabilization. The holding cartridge has to be made from materials with least possible density to decrease its Influence on interaction process. At the same time the holding cartridge has to be strong enough to withstand the overloads during the in-bore acceleration. In this paper the design and test results of the launch package for the multiple rod hypervelocity impact studying are presented. All experiments were carried out with the (EDL) of 30-mm caliber. Hydrogen under the initial pressure of 40 MPa was used as a working gas. It permits us to use the projectiles with masses up to 150 g and explore the velocity range from 1500 up to 3000 m/s.