Publications

Since the development of the ram accelerator in the mid 1980's, there have been numerous papers and articles written to portray its applications and contributions to fundamental science. In addition, each year, ram acclerator personnel present papers on their current research at professional conferences and workshops.

If you'd like to learn more about the capabilities of the device, please look at some of the papers listed below or contact one of the researchers listed on the Contact Ram Personnel page.

: Archival Journal Papers; Articles in Popular Magazines; Conference Papers; Theses and Dissertations; Papers by Other Researchers; Presentations at Upcoming Conferences/Workshops; Return to RAM Homepage

Presentations at Upcoming Conferences/Workshops

There have been a lot of new papers presented at recent conferences. At the 1997 AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit held in lovely Seattle, WA, there were 3 sessions for ram accelerator technology. Also, there in July there was a Ram Accelerator Workshop held in Sendai Japan. I have listed only papers authored by University of Washington researchers. For more information please contact me.

Real Gas Effects on Ram Accelerator Analysis: D. L. Buckwalter, C. Knowlen, and A. P. Bruckner; 33rd Annual Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit, Seattle, WA, July 6-9 1997; Cover Page, Paper
Investigation of Low Velocity Starting Techniques for the Ram Accelerator: C. Knowlen, E. Schultz, and A. P. Bruckner; 33rd Annual Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit, Seattle, WA, July 6-9 1997
Effects of Launch Tube Gases on Starting of the Ram Accelerator: J. Stewart, C. Knowlen, and A. P. Bruckner; 33rd Annual Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit, Seattle, WA, July 6-9 1997
Recent Results of High Acceleratoin Experiments in the University of Washington Ram Accelerator: J. Elvander, C. Knowlen, and A. P. Bruckner; 33rd Annual Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit, Seattle, WA, July 6-9 1997
High Velocity Experiments using Multi-stage Ram Accelerator: J. Elvander, C. Knowlen, and A. P. Bruckner; RAMAC III: Third International Workshop on Ram Accelerators, Sendai, Japan , July 16-18, 1997
Facility Upgrade for High Pressure Ram Accelerator Experiments: C. Knowlen, and A. P. Bruckner; RAMAC III: Third International Workshop on Ram Accelerators, Sendai, Japan , July 16-18, 1997
Real Gas Effects on Thermally Choked Ram Accelerator Performance: D. L. Buckwalter, C. Knowlen, and A. P. Bruckner; RAMAC III: Third International Workshop on Ram Accelerators, Sendai, Japan , July 16-18, 1997; Extended Abstract
Effects of Launch Tube Shock Dynamics on Initiation of Ram Accelerator Operation: J. Stewart, C. Knowlen, and A. P. Bruckner; RAMAC III: Third International Workshop on Ram Accelerators, Sendai, Japan , July 16-18, 1997
The Subdetonative Ram Accelerator Starting Process: E. Schultz, C. Knowlen, and A. P. Bruckner; RAMAC III: Third International Workshop on Ram Accelerators, Sendai, Japan , July 16-18, 1997

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Archival Journal Papers

Ram Accelerator: A New Chemical Method for Accelerating Projectiles to Ultrahigh Velocities: A. Hertzberg, A. P. Bruckner, D. W. Bogdanoff; AIAA Journal; Vol. 26, No. 2, February 1988, pages 195-203
Computational Investigation of Oblique Detonation Ramjet-in-Tube Con cepts: D. C. Brackett, D. W. Bogdanoff; Journal of Propulsion and Power; Vol. 5, No. 3, May-June 1989, pages 276-281
Numerical Simulation of Hypervelocity Projectiles in Detonable Gases: S. Yungster, S. Eberhardt, A. P. Bruckner; AIAA Journal; Vol. 29, No. 2, February 1991, pages 187-199
Operational Charactersitics of the Thermally Choked Ram Accelerator: A. P. Bruckner, C. Knowlen, A. Hertzberg, D. W. Bogdanoff; Journal of Propulsion and Power; Vol. 7, No. 5, Sept-Oct 1991, pages 828-836
Experimental Investigation of Ram Accelerator Propulsion Modes: A. Hertzberg, A. P. Bruckner, C. Knowlen; Shock Waves; Springer-Verlag 1991, pages 17-25
Computational Studies of a Superdetonative Ram Accelerator Mode: S. Yungster, A. P. Bruckner; Journal of Propulsion and Power; Vol. 8, No. 2, March-April 1992, pages 457-463
Ram Accelerator Direct Space Launch System: New Concepts: D. W. Bogdanoff; Journal of Propulsion and Power; Vol. 8, No. 2, March-April 1992, pages 481-490
A Feedback Controlled Gas Mixing System for the Ram Accelerator: M. R. Jardin, A. P. Bruckner; Journal of Propulsion and Power
Ram Accelerator Ballistic Range Concept for Softly Accelerating Hypersonic Free-Flying Models: K. W. Naumann, A. P. Bruckner; Journal of Aircraft; Vol. 31, No. 6, November-December 1994, pages 1310-1316

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Articles in Popular Magazines

Ram Accelerator Demonstrates Potential for Hypervelocity Research, Light Launch: B. W. Henderson; Aviation Week and Space Technology; September 30, 1991, pages 50-51
Battle of the Big Shots: F. Kuznic; Air & Space; Vol. 8, No. 3, Aug/Sept 1993, pages 54-61
Ramming Speed: G. T. Pope; Discover; Vol. 15, March 1994, pages 50-55

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Conference Papers

Investigation of Gasdynamic Phenomena Associated with the Ram Accelerator Concept: A. P. Bruckner, D. W. Bogdanoff; June 1987; AIAA-87-1327
Performance Capabilities of the Ram Accelerator: C. Knowlen, A. P. Bruckner, D. W. Bogdanoff, A. Hertzberg; June 1987; AIAA-87-2152
A Computational Fluid Dynamics Code for the Investigation of Ramjet-in-Tube Concepts: D. W. Bogdanoff, D. C. Brackett; AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference; San Diego, CA; June 29 - July 2, 1987
Ram Accelerator: Direct Launch System for Space Cargo: A. P. Bruckner, A. Hertzberg; 38th Congress of International Astronautical Federation; Brighton, United Kingdom; October 1987; IAF-87-211
A Chemical Method for Achieving Acceleration of Macroparticles to Ultrahigh Velocities: A. Hertzberg, A. P. Bruckner, T. Mattick; 1988; Final Report - UWAERP/15; Dept. of Energy Contract # DE-FG85ER13382
High Velocity Modes of the Thermally Choked Ram Accelerator: A. P. Bruckner, C. Knowlen, Scott, A. Hertzberg; AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference; Boston, MA, July 11-13, 1988; AIAA-88-2925
The Ram Accelerator: A Chemically Driven Mass Launcher: Kaloupis, A. P. Bruckner; July 1988; AIAA-88-2968
Numerical Simulation of Shock-Induced Combustion Generated by High Speed Projectiles in Detonable Gases: S. Yungster, S. Eberhardt, A. P. Bruckner; AIAA-89-0673
Experimental Studies of Superdetonative Ram Accelerator Modes: Kull, E. A. Burnham, C. Knowlen, A. Hertzberg, A. P. Bruckner; July 1989; AIAA-89-2632
A Numerical Study of the Ram Accelerator Concept in the Superdetonative Velocity Range: S. Yungster, A. P. Bruckner; July 1989; AIAA-89-2677
Operation of the Ram Accelerator in the Transdetonative Velocity Regime: E. A. Burnham, Kull, C. Knowlen, A. P. Bruckner, A. Hertzberg; AIAA-90-1985
Experiments on Hypersonic Ramjet Propulsion Cycles Using a Ram Accelerator: G. Chew, C. Knowlen, E. A. Burnham, A. Hertzberg, and A. P. Bruckner; 27th AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference; June 24-26, 1991, Sacramento, CA; AIAA-91-2489
Investigation of Hypersonic Ramjet Propulsion Cycles using a Ram Accelerator Test Facility: A. P. Bruckner, G. Chew, Auzias de Turenne, Dunmire; 42nd Congress of Internatinoal Astronautical Federation; Montreal, Canada; October 5-11, 1991, Paper # IAF-91-275
University of Washington Ram Accelerator Facility: C. Knowlen, C. Li, J. B. Hinkey, Dunmire; 42nd Meeting of Aeroballistic Range Association; Adelaide, Australia, October 22-25, 1991
Applications of the Ram Accelerator to Hypervelocity Aerothermodynamic Testing: A. P. Bruckner, C. Knowlen, and A. Hertzberg; AIAA 17th Aerospace Ground Testing Conferenc,; July 6-8, 1992, Nashville, TN; AIAA-92-3949
High Spatial Resolution Measurements of Ram Accelerator Gas Dynamic Phenomena: J. B. Hinkey, E. A. Burnham, A. P. Bruckner; 28th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit; July 6-8, 1992, Nashville, TN; AIAA-92-3244
Investigation of the Aerothermodynamics of Hypervelocity Reacting Flows in the Ram Accelerator - Final Report 17 July 89 - 30 Apr 92: A. Hertzberg, A. P. Bruckner, T. Mattick, C. Knowlen; December 1992; Report # NASA-CR-191715, NAS 1.26:191715; Contract # NAG3-1061
Overview of Ram Accelerator Technology: A. P. Bruckner, C. Knowlen; National Shock Wave Symposium; Initute of Fluid Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan; January 14-16, 1993
An Investigation of Ram Accelerator Gas Dynamic Limits: A. J. Higgins, C. Knowlen, A. P. Bruckner; AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE 29th Joint Propulsion Conference; June 28-30, 1993, Monterey, CA; AIAA-93-2181
Investigation of Ram Accelerator Flow Fields Induced by Canted Projectiles: J.B. Hinkey, E. A. Burnham, and A. P. Bruckner; Aerospace and Energetics Research Program; AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE 29th Joint Propulsion Conference; June 28-30, 1993, Monterey, CA; AIAA-93-2186
Investigation of Propellant Dilution on Ram Accelerator Performance: C. Knowlen, A. P. Bruckner; 30th JANNAF Combustion Subcommittee Meeting; Monterey, CA, November 15-18, 1993
A Computational Study of Projectile Nose Heating in the Ram Accelerator: G. Chew, A. P. Bruckner; 30th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference; June 27-29, 1994, Indianapolis, IN; AIAA-94-2964
Investigation of Operational Limits to the Ram Accelerator: C. Knowlen, A. J. Higgins, and A. P. Bruckner; 30th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference; June 27-29, 1994, Indianapolis, IN; AIAA-94-2967

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Theses and Dissertations

A Numerical Analysis of Non-Steady Supersonic Duct Flows with Heat Addition: J. M. Zulauf; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, 1985
A Computational Fluid Dynamical Code for the Investigation of Ram Accelerator Concepts: D. C. Brackett; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, August 1986
A Study of Sabot Deceleration behind an Aerodynamic Vehicle in a gas filled Tube: C. S. Engelbrecht; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis 1986
Experimental Investigation of the Ram Accelerator Principle: Instrumentation and Data Acquisition: I. L. Stonich; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, 1988
Computational Investigation of Oblique Detonation Ramjet-in-Tube Concepts: D. C. Brackett; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Master's of Engineering, 1988
Experimental Investigation of Ram Accelerator Concept using an Optical Probe: K. A. Scott; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, 1988
Numerical Simulation of Shock-Induced Combustion for Application to the Ram Accelerator Concept: S. Yungster; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Ph.D. Dissertation, October 1989
A Magnetic Transducer Detection System for High Speed Projectiles in Tubes: E. C. Christofferson; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Theses, 1989
Atmospheric Transit of a Hypersonic Axisymmetric Spin Stabilized Vehicle: P. Kaloupis; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, December 1989
An Unsteady Total Variational Diminishing Axisymmetric Numerical Model for the Ram Accelerator Subsonic Combustion Thermal Choking Propulsion Mode: P. Kaloupis; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Master's of Engineering, 1990
Preliminary Investigations of Superdetonative and Transdetonative Ram Accelerator Propulsion Modes: A. Kull; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Master of Engineering, 1990
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Thermodynamics of the Ram Accelerator in the Thermally Choked Mode: C. Knowlen; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Ph.D. Dissertation, April 1991
Preliminary Spectral Analysis of the Ram Accelerator: A. E. Prochko; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, 1991
A Microsecond Response Thermocouple in the Ram Accelerator: R. J. McIntosh; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, 1991
An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Single Stage Ram Accelerator Performance with Emphasis Towards Projectile Material Effects: B. Dunmire; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, 1991
A Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Ram Accelerator Mixture Transition Phenomena: J. A. de Turenne; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, 1992
A Feedback Controlled Gas Mixing System for the Ram Accelerator: M. Jardin; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, 1992
Gas Dynamic Limits of the Ram Accelerator: A. J. Higgins; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, 1993
Investigation of Starting and Ignition Transients in the Thermally Choked Ram Accelerator: E. A. Burnham, Jr.; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Ph.D. Dissertation, December 1993
An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Three Dimensional Flow Field About a Ram Accelerator: J. B. Hinkey; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Ph.D. Dissertation, March 1994
The Impact of Projectile Geometry on Ram Accelerator Performance: T. S. Imrich; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; MS Thesis, 1995
Projectile Nose Heating in the Ram Accelerator: G. Chew; University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Ph.D. Dissertation, 1995

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Papers by Other Researchers

An Advanced Hypervelocity Aerophysics Facility: A Ground-Based Flight-Test Range: R. Witcofski, W. Scallion, D. Carter, Jr., and R. Courter; 29th Aerospace Sciences Meeting; January 7-10, 1991, Reno, NV; AIAA 91-0296
Analysis of RAM Acceleration for High Velocity Applications: D. Kruczynski; 27th AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference; June 24-26, 1991, Sacramento, CA; AIAA-91-2488
Numerical Simulation of Reacting Flow in a Thermally Choked RAM Accelerator Projectile Launch System: M. Nusca; 27th AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference; June 24-26, 1991, Sacramento, CA; AIAA-91-2490
Hypersonic Propulsion Considerations for a Flying Testbed: R. Schaber, R. R. Schwab and N. H. Voss; 27th AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference; June 24-26, 1991, Sacramento, CA; AIAA-91-2492
Oblique Detonations in Ram Accelerators: C. Li, K. Kailasanath, E.Oran; 28th JANNAF Combustion Subcommittee Meeting; Brooks AFB, San Antonio, TX; October 28 - November 1, 1991
Approximate Solutions for Oblique Detonations in the Hypersonic Limit: J. M. Powers, D. S. Stewart; AIAA Journal; Vol. 30, No. 3, March 1992, pages 726-736
Ram Accelerator Direct Space Launch System: New Concepts: D. W. Bogdanoff; Journal of Propulsion and Power; Vol. 8, No. 2, March-April 1992, pages 481-490
Ram Accelerator in 90 mm calibre. First Results Concerning Scale Effects in the Thermally Choked Propulsion Mode: Giraud, Legendre, Simon, Catoire; 13th International Symposium on Ballistics; Stockholm, Sweeden; June 1-3, 1992
Progress toward the Development of Transient Ram Accelerator Simulation as Part of the USAF Armament Directorate Research Program: N. Sinha, B. J. York, S. M. Dash, R. Drabczuk, and G. E. Rolander; 28th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference; July 6-8, 1992, Nashville, TN; AIAA-92-3248
Numerical Simulations of the Transdetonative Ram Accelerator Combusting Flow Field - Parallel Computer: M. Soetrisno, S. T. Imlay, and D. W. Roberts; 28th AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference; July 6-8, 1992, Nashville, TN; AIAA-92-3249
Mixing and Combustion Effects in a Sliding-Wedge Ram Accelerator with Hydrogen Injection: R. Ramakrishnan, D. J. Singh; 28th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference; July 6-8, 1992, Nashville, TN; AIAA-92-3251
Ram Accelerator Studies in 90 mm Calibre: Giraud, Legendre, Simon; 43rd Meeting of Aeroballistic Range Association, Columbus, OH; Sept 28 - Oct 2, 1992
Numerical Study of Shock-Wave/Boundary-Layer Interactions in Premixed Combustible Gases: S. Yungster; AIAA Journal; Vol. 30, No. 10., October 1992, pages 2379-2387
Experimental Demonstration of a 120-mm Ram Accelerator: D. Kruczynski; 29th JANNAF Combustion Subcommittee; NASA Langely Research Center, Hampton, VA; October 19-23, 1992
Effects of Boundary Layers on Oblique-Detonation Structures: C. Li, K. Kailasanath, E. S. Oran; 31st Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit; January 11-14, 1993, Reno, Nevada; AIAA-93-0450
Numerical Simulation of Fluid Dynamics with Finite- Rate and Equilibrium Combustion Kinetics for the 120mm Ram Accelerator: M. J. Nusca; AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE 29th Joint Propulsion Conference; June 28-30, 1993, Monterey, CA; AIAA-93-2182
Analysis and Demonstration of a Scramaccelerator System: J. W. Humphrey, T. H. Sobota; AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE 29th Joint Propulsion Conference; June 28-30, 1993, Monterey, CA; AIAA-93-2183
Heating and Ablation of Projectiles During Acceleration in a Ram Accelerator Tube: K. W. Naumann; AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE 29th Joint Propulsion Conference; June 28-30, 1993, Monterey, CA; AIAA-93-2184
Numerical Simulations of the Superdetonative Ram Accelerator Combusting Flow Field: M. Soetrisno, S. T. Imlay, D. W. Roberts; AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE 29th Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit; June 28-30, 1993, Monterey, CA; AIAA-93-2185
Analysis of Transient Flows in Thermally Choked Ram Accelerators: C. Li, K. Kailasanath, E. S. Oran, A. M. Landsberg, and J. P. Boris; AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE 29th Joint Propulsion Conference; June 28-30, 1993, Monterey, CA; AIAA-93-2187
Bow Shock Wave Heating and Ablation of a Sharp Nosed Projectile Flying at Supersonic Velocity Inside of a Ram Accelerator: F. Seiler, K. W. Naumann; 19th International Symposium on Shock Waves; Marseille, France, July 26-30, 1993
Numerical Simulation of Fluid Dynamics and Combustor for Ram Accelerator Projectile/Obturator Interaction - Final Report Jan-Dec 1992: M. J. Nusca; September 1993; Report # AD-A269715; ARL-TR-198
Detonation Structures on Ram Accelerator Projectiles: C. Li, K. Kailasanath, E. S. Oran; 32nd Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit; January 10-13, 1994, Reno, Nevada; AIAA-94-0551
Eglin AFB Ram Accelerator Research Device: R. P. Drabczuk (Capt.), D. M. Littrell, G. E. Rolander, and R. D. Hudson; April 1994; Report # AD-B183 657; WL-TR-94-7005
New Tube End Closure System for the Ram Accelerator: D. W. Bogdanoff; Journal of Propulsion and Power; Vol. 10, No. 4, July-Aug 1994, pages 518-521
Computation of Shock-Induced Combustion Using a Detailed Methane-Air Mechanism: S. Yungster and M. J. Rabinowitz; Journal of Propulsion and Power; Vol. 10, No. 5, Sept-Oct 1994, pages 609-617
Calculations for Steady Propagation of a Generic Ram Accelerator Configuration: M. J. Grismer and J. M. Powers; Journal of Propulsion and Power; Vol. 11, No. 1, January-February 1995, pages 105-111

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Email -- Dr. Carl Knowlen