Method and system for target injection using a gas-bearing injection barrel
AssigneeLawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
InventorsPaul Rosso, Richard C. Montesanti
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A permeable barrel for accelerating a projectile is provided. The barrel includes a plurality of holes through which gas can be injected to generate a gas cushion for the projectile. The gas cushion prevents any contact between the projectile and the barrel walls. Also the gas cushion helps to keep the projectile centered in the barrel throughout its travel.
Claims20
A method for transporting a projectile through a barrel having a length, the method comprising:
- inserting the projectile into the barrel;
- and
- flowing a gas into the barrel to generate a gas-film cushion around the projectile.
A method of transporting an object along a tube structure having a tube wall, the method comprising:
- flowing a gas into the tube structure through the tube wall;
- generating a gas-film cushion between the object and the tube wall;
- and
- exhausting the gas from the tube structure through the tube wall.
A system for accelerating a projectile through a barrel, the system comprising:
- a barrel having a wall including gas flow passages operable to communicate gas along an interior portion of the barrel and to create a gas-film bearing;
- and
- a pressurized gas system coupled to the barrel and operable to accelerate the projectile through the barrel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.