Texas A&M University Hypervelocity Impact Laboratory

The Texas A&M University (TAMU) Hypervelocity Impact Laboratory (HVIL) is located at the Center for Infrastructure Renewal (CIR) at RELLIS campus of The Texas A&M University. The laboratory research is aimed at enabling unique high-rate materials characterization and multiscale numerical model development and implementation. The TAMU HVIL, operated by a team of distinguished researchers, provides a testbed for the development and tailoring of novel monolithic, layered, and architected structures comprised of polymers, composites, metals, ceramics, soft materials, gels, and geomaterials to mitigate HVI threats (e.g., hypersonic weapons, micrometeoroid/orbital debris, atmospheric reentry conditions). The laboratory currently houses a state-of-the-art two-stage light gas gun (2SLGG) capable of launching 0.8-12.7 mm diameter projectiles at velocities in the range of 1.5-8.0 km/s (3,355-18,000 miles/hr). Projectile materials currently include steel, aluminum, nylon, glass, polycarbonate, tungsten, and titanium. The modern and advanced facility at HVIL allows for targets of many sizes, shapes, and weights to be impacted efficiently and reliably at normal and oblique orientations. A brief description of the 2SLGG can be found here. The 2SLGG is currently equipped with a pair of laser intervalometers, an ultra-high-speed camera, a dual-head 450 kV flash X-ray system, high-speed Schlieren imaging, and novel particle tracking technology. Ongoing developments include advanced digital in-line holography diagnostics and modern target heating/cooling techniques. Future diagnostic equipment will include an additional high-speed camera(s), high-speed thermal camera(s), and a photon doppler velocimetry (PDV) system.