An explosively driven launcher capable of $$10\,\mathrm{km\,s}^{-1}$$ projectile velocities

Launching large (> 1 g) well-characterized projectiles to velocities beyond $${10}\,\mathrm{km\,s}^{-1}$$ is of interest for a number scientific fields, but the reach current hypervelocity launcher technology. This paper reports development an explosively driven light-gas gun that has demonstrated ability launch 8-mm-diameter 0.36-g magnesium $${10.4}\,\,\mathrm{km\,s}^{-1}$$ . The implosion-driven (IDL) uses linear implosion pressurized tube shock-compress helium gas pressure 5 GPa, which then expands propel projectile hypervelocity. cycle IDL explored with use down-bore velocimetry experiments and quasi-one-dimensional internal ballistics solver. A detailed overview design 8-mm presented, emphasis on unique considerations arise from propellant compression resulting extreme pressures temperatures. high average driving results in compact, total length typically less than meter. possibility scale larger sizes (25 mm diameter) demonstrated. Finally, concepts modified may allow significantly greater are conceptually preliminary experiments.