High acceleration testing of high energy density capacitors

High energy density, energy storage capacitors used in launch applications require capacitors that can withstand extreme levels of acceleration. Some requirements call for capacitors to be capable of being launched at tens of thousands of G´s. The reference point for GA-ESI´s high energy density capacitors was 200 G´s at the time the tests were initiated. A series of tests was performed where the capacitors were accelerated in a launch tube to over 30,000 G´s. The testing methods and the results of the tests are discussed.