Optimizing Performance of Compact Hypervelocity Electrothermal Guns: Electrode Composition and Bore Diameter

A benchtop electrothermal gun capable of launching mmsized objects has achieved muzzle velocities ranging from 1.0 to over 6 km/s. Experiments and simulations have been performed to elucidate the key parameters which drive overall performance. Smaller bore diameters with smaller, lower mass projectiles resulted in the largest velocity gains while larger caliber barrels produced higher efficiencies.