Analysis of Energy Capabilities of Acceleration of Massive Projectiles by Gas-Dynamic Methods

Abstract

The energy capabilities of acceleration devices are theoretically analyzed, including various ramjet-in-tube options for gas-dynamic acceleration of massive (1 to 40 kg) projectiles under ground conditions up to velocities of 2–3 km/s. Simple quasi-one-dimensional models for a perfect gas are used in the computations. It is demonstrated that the use of a ramjet-in-tube accelerator with a closed exit allows the velocities of acceleration of massive projectiles to be increased to 3 km/s, which is twice greater than the values that can be obtained with available gunpowder-based methods.