Mach one impact test apparatus utilizing an 18.4‐mm‐bore gas gun with a novel decelerating device

摘要

The design and operation of a helium‐gas‐driven gun capable of operation to Mach one is described in this report. The gun utilizes a unique tapered‐tube decelerator that captures the sabot and prevents gas discharge from the muzzle. This feature makes it possible to operate the gun in a normal laboratory environment without excessive safety precautions.