Programmed input of energy into the discharge chamber of a light-gas electric-discharge accelerator of bodies

The effect is investigated of the duration of electrical energy input into working gas and of discharge power profile on the launching velocity and efficiency of acceleration of bodies using a light-gas electric-discharge accelerator with a caliber of 30 mm. It is found that, for the same energy input to the arc or for the same pulsed pressure of working gas in the discharge chamber of the accelerator, the projectile velocity in the mode being programmed is 7—10 % higher, and the efficiency of conversion of internal energy of working gas to kinetic energy of projectile is 2 or 3 % higher, than those in the synchronous mode.