IIT Hyderabad Builds Affordable Light Gas Gun for High-Speed Impact Testing
HYDERABAD: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad have developed a compact, low-cost setup to simulate high-speed impact conditions. As a result, scientists can now test armour and projectile behaviour in a controlled laboratory environment more efficiently.
The system operates at the High-Speed Experimental Laboratory (Hi-SEAL). Notably, it uses a light gas gun that fires projectiles at speeds of up to 0.8 km per second. A student-led team, guided by assistant professor S.K. Karthick, built the device.
Simulating impact conditions without full-scale weapons
According to Karthick, the system addresses a critical challenge in defence research. On one hand, engineers aim to develop materials that can stop projectiles. On the other hand, they seek to design projectiles that can penetrate stronger targets. Therefore, a controlled testing environment becomes essential.
Traditionally, full-scale trials cost significantly more and involve complex logistics. However, this lab-scale system simplifies the process. It uses high-pressure gas to accelerate projectiles, thereby allowing engineers to study how materials behave under extreme stress.
Moreover, the team built the setup using PVC pipes at a cost of about ₹50,000. Consequently, it stands out as a far more affordable alternative to conventional testing systems.
Applications extend beyond defence and into space research
Beyond defence, the system also opens possibilities in space research. For instance, researchers can use it to analyse high-speed impacts in space environments. In addition, the fuel-free mechanism helps scientists study projectile dynamics without relying on full-scale propulsion systems.
The project received support under IIT Hyderabad’s BHARATI grant. Meanwhile, the student team—including G. Sri Datta Krishna, Y.V. Karthik, M.N. Marzouq, T. Harshada and M. Raj Kiran Reddy—played a key role in developing the system.
Furthermore, the team designed a sensor system to measure projectile velocity and built a sand-filled chamber to safely absorb impacts.
Karthick added that such facilities play a crucial role in research. “They allow students and researchers to experiment, test ideas and refine materials before moving to real-world trials,” he said.
Finally, the team has started discussions with defence laboratories. They now aim to scale up the system and develop stronger materials as well as more efficient impact technologies.
