Baffled Start Section for Obturator-Free Ram Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ram accelerators require an obturator to initiate combustion, which increases mass and complexity, and the projectile can decelerate if the barrel is too long, limiting maximum velocity.
Innovation Solution
A baffled start section in the ram accelerator that ignites propellant using residual launch tube gas compression or a flame carried by the projectile, eliminating the need for an obturator and allowing the projectile to accelerate without unstarting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an obturator is used to initiate combustion in conventional ram accelerators, then combustion can be reliably initiated, but mass and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the obturator component from the ram accelerator system entirely. Instead of using an obturator to initiate combustion, the system relies on the projectile itself to compress and ignite the propellant through its motion, thereby eliminating the complex obturator mechanism while maintaining reliable combustion initiation
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile serves a dual function: it both moves through the tube and initiates combustion by compressing the propellant in front of it. The system uses the kinetic energy of the projectile itself to create the ignition condition, making the projectile self-sufficient for combustion initiation without requiring separate obturator components
2Speed
If the barrel is made longer to allow continued acceleration, then higher velocities can be achieved, but the projectile decelerates due to insufficient propellant force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic combustion pulses that are synchronized with the projectile motion. Multiple discrete propellant charges are ignited at specific intervals along the tube length, creating a series of acceleration pulses that continuously replenish the propelling force on the projectile, allowing sustained acceleration over longer distances without deceleration
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that combustion pulses occur regularly throughout the projectile's travel. The combustion process is sustained through sequential ignition of propellant sections, providing uninterrupted propelling force that keeps the projectile accelerating throughout its entire journey down the tube
3Device complexity
If conventional powder-propelled firearms are used, then simple construction is achieved, but maximum velocity is limited due to energy expenditure overcoming friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical powder-burning system with a ram accelerator mechanism that uses compressed gas dynamics and combustion pulses. Instead of relying on simple powder combustion behind the projectile, the system uses controlled compression and ignition of propellant along the tube, enabling much higher velocities while maintaining relatively simple overall device construction
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The baffled start section enables high-velocity acceleration of projectiles by initiating combustion within the tube, reducing mass and complexity, and achieving velocities beyond conventional firearms.
Implementation Method 1
the projectile compresses and ignites the propellant as it travels through the tube
Implementation Method 2
This results in a combustion pulse being accelerated down the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A ram accelerator for accelerating a projectile is provided. The ram accelerator includes a baffle section configured to start the projectile in the ram accelerator without an obturator. The ram accelerator generally includes a tube having a projectile bore; and a baffle section operably coupled to a proximal end of the tube. The baffle section has an annular baffle wall defining a central bore axially aligned with the projectile bore; and a propellant chamber arranged adjacent to the annular baffle wall, wherein the propellant chamber is configured to enclose a propellant. The propellant can be ignited as the projectile passes through the baffle section by pressure created by the projectile, by an ignition source, or by a flame carried by the projectile to start the ram acceleration of the projectile.