WARP-10; A numerical simulation model for the cylindrical reconnection launcher

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · IEEE Transactions on Magnetics (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/20.101108· OSTI ID:5655263

Widner, M M ^[1]

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1. Electromagnetic Launcher Div., Sandia National Lab., Albuquerque, NM (US)

In this paper a fully self-consistent computer simulation code called WARP-10, used for modelling the Reconnection Launcher, is described. WARP-10 has been compared with various experiments with good agreement for performance and heating. Simulations predict that it is possible to obtain nearly uniform acceleration with high efficiency and low armature heating. There does not appear to be an armature heating limit to velocity provided the armature mass can be sufficiently large. Simulation results are presented which show it is possible to obtain conditions needed for Earth-to-Orbit (ETO) launch applications (4.15 km/s and a 850 kg launch mass). This 3100-stage launcher has an efficiency of 47.2% and a final ohmic energy/kinetic energy - .00146. The mode of launcher operation is similar to a traveling wave induction launcher and is produced by properly timed and tuned discrete stages. Further optimization and much higher velocities appear possible.

• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5655263
• Report Number(s): CONF-9004136--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Magnetics (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States) Journal Volume: 27:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ACCELERATION
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