Abstract:
The paper proposes methods for increasing the survivability of light–gas guns, including new designs and nonconventional modes of shot. It is established theoretically and experimentally that a decrease in the cone angle of the conical adapter to 2.5 – 3$^\circ$ leads to a severalfold increase in the survivability of the high–pressure chamber. A compound piston with a liquid or gel–like filler is designed. The mode of shot from a light–gas gun with superlight pistons and without a diaphragm is justified and tested experimentally. Conical and measuring adapters with liners made of thermally– and wear–resistant alloys are designed to prevent ablation of the light–gas gun barrel.