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Method and apparatus for initating stable operation of a ram accelerator

  • US 4,982,647 A
  • Filed: 06/16/1988
  • Issued: 01/08/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/16/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. In a ram accelerator, including a projectile having an aft portion and a linearly extending tube having a bore, at least a portion of which is filled with a combustible mixture of a gaseous fuel and an oxidizer, apparatus for preaccelerating the projectile, and for initiating a stable combustion zone behind the projectile, comprising:

  • force generating means for providing a force acting on the aft portion of the projectile so as to accelerate it to supersonic velocity, propelling it into the portion of the tube filled with the combustible mixture; and

    throttling means that are independent of the projectile and its profile, for controlling the velocity of a shock wave generated at the aft portion of the projectile as the projectile enters the combustible mixture by controlling the dynamic impulse pressure immediately behind the projectile so that the shock wave does not propagate ahead of it, said throttling means causing the shock wave to instead attach to the projectile, thereby establishing a stable subsonic combustion zone along the aft portion of the projectile in which combustion of the gaseous fuel continues to accelerate the projectile down the bore of the tube.

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