Conical electric gun: a new hypervelocity macroparticle launcher based on the Munroe effect

The Munroe effect is a cumulative hydrodynamic flow where a conically shaped solid liner is imploded on to its axis of symmetry and the oblique impact results in formation of a hypervelocity jet. Acceleration of conical liners using chemical explosives has been well known in armament technology and acceleration using laser ablation is being investigated in connection with inertial confinement fusion. In this paper, we discuss the acceleration of a solid liner using an electrically exploded conductor in the fashion of an electric gun. Fabrication methods and experimental investigations using fast framing photography are described. Scaling behavior expected from such flows is derived in a simple, approximate model. Possible applications are described.

I. Introduction

The MUNROE effect is a cumulative hydrodynamic flow [1] where a conically shaped solid liner is imploded on to its axis of symmetry and the oblique impact results in formation of a hypervelocity jet [2]. Acceleration of conical liners using chemical explosives has been well known in armament technology and acceleration using laser ablation is being investigated in connection with inertial confinement fusion [3].