Launcher technology, in-flight velocity measurement and impact diagnostics at the TUM/LRT

Four different types of electromagnetic accelerators are described, giving their performance data and limitations: electromagnetic, electrothermal, rail gun and plasma gun. Different techniques are used to measure in-flight velocity: Light barrier with pulsed laser, in-flight photography with N₂ laser, and in-flight radar at 35 and 90 GHz. These devices also are described. For some specific investigations, e.g., charge generation by impact of small particles with velocities above 10 km/s, the impact location of every impact (for multiple impact tests) is required along with the projectile impulse and velocity. Techniques for accurate measurement of these parameters are discussed.