Railgun rail gouging by hypervelocity sliding contact

A description is given of a recently resolved mechanism of gouging which occurs during hypervelocity sliding contact between two materials. A parameter study based on computer modeling of the gouging mechanism is presented in which gouging velocity thresholds are determined for several combinations of sliding materials. Materials which can gouge each other are found to do so only within a certain range of velocities. Related calculations of gaseous material ahead of railgun projectiles are also presented. Gun-bore gouging experience with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory railgun project is reviewed.<
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