Baffled-Tube Ram Accelerator Operation with Inclined Baffles

Abstract

The baffled-tube ram accelerator is a device that has the potential to accelerate axisymmetric projectiles in the velocity range of 0.5 to 3 km/s. Preliminary experiments in a 38-mm-bore device demonstrated that only about 30 to 50% of the theoretical thrust is attained using a baffle geometry that is effectively a solid washer with a center hole bored out with a slight projectile clearance. Recent transient CFD modeling results indicate that significant improvements in thrust generation capability can be realized by inclining the baffles toward the approaching projectile. With this configuration, reactive flow simulations showed that the combustion goes to completion closer to the projectile base than in the original baffle orientation, resulting in a doubling of thrust. Newly fabricated baffles based on this concept are undergoing testing. The results of these upcoming experiments with the new inclined baffle design will be presented.