The HEMI Hypervelocity Facility for Impact Research Experiments (HyFIRE) contains a 2 stage light gas gun that is capable of launching impactors at velocities up to 7 km/s.
Capabilities
Applications
| Impact velocities of 1 – 7 km/s |
| High-speed optical visualization in stereo (10 Mfps) |
| Digital Image Correlation, Digital Gradient Sensing, Photon Doppler Velocimetry |
| Orthogonal flash X-ray imaging |
| High-speed spectroscopy |
| Hypersonics |
| Missile defense |
| Space systems |
| Planetary science |
| Terminal ballistics |
| Energetics |
Diagnostics
| Video: Yunho Kim, JHU |  |
| High Speed Imaging Impact visualization, digital gradient sensing (DGS), and 3D digital image correlation (DIC) Examples | Spectroscopy Impact flash diagnostic Examples |
Image: Brett Kuwik and Ryan Hurley, JHU | Image: Chris DiMarco and Jake Diamond, JHU |
| Flash X-Ray Radiography Examples | Photon Doppler Velocimetry Back surface velocity measurement Laser Shock Facility |
Launcher Details & Specifications
Additional Features & Diagnostics
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Primary Breech Gas / Max Pressure | Helium or Nitrogen / 10,000 psi (690 Bar) |
| Pump Tube Gas | Helium, Hydrogen, Nitrogen |
| Launch Tubes | 7.62 mm rifled 7.62 mm smooth bore 12.7 mm smooth bore 19.05 mm smooth bore |
| Common Sabots | 2 or 4 piece sabots made from high strength nylon or PEEK |
| Common Projectiles | 1-5 mm spheres made from aluminum, steel and tungsten carbide |
| Velocity range | 1.0 – 7 km/s (Mach 3 – Mach 20) |
| 4 channel PDV for velocimetry and near muzzle experiments | |
| Digital Gradient Sensing (DGS) and 3D Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for surface deformation measurements | |
| Various view ports along the range for projectile and sabot imaging | |
| Variable atmosphere with air or inert gas backfilling | |
| Terminal chamber vacuum down to 5 Torr | |
| Near muzzle chamber vacuum < 1 Torr | |
| Amotronics timing system for velocity measurement, impact time calculation and diagnostic sequencing |
Mechanical Elements of HyFIRE
Contact
For additional information regarding this facility, contact:
Matthew Shaeffer
Senior Staff Engineer
Justin Moreno
Associate Staff Engineer
Location
The HyFIRE facility is located in Malone Hall on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus.
Faculty PI
ramesh@jhu.edu
Oversight Committee
Prof. Mark Foster (Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering)
Prof. Todd Hufnagel (Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering)
Prof. Ryan Hurley (Dept. of Mechanical Engineering)
Prof. K.T. Ramesh Dept. of Mechanical Engineering)
Matt Shaeffer (HEMI)
