Exploratory development of the reconnection launcher 1986-1990

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

OSTI ID:5728902

Cowan, M; Widner, M M; Cnare, E C; Duggin, B W; Kaye, R J; Freeman, J R ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)

This paper summarizes the exploratory development phase for the reconnection launcher. This is an induction launcher which features a contractless, solid armature with either flat-plate or cylindrical geometry. The strategy for successful design is discussed, emphasizing the way we resolve the issues of ohmic heating and high-voltage requirements for high velocity. The indispensable role of a fast-running, mesh-matrix code is stressed. The authors describe three multistage launchers. One of these achieved muzzle velocity of 1 km/s with a 150-gram flat-plate projectile. The other two have launched cylindrical projectiles at 335 m/s, one with relatively heavy projectiles of 5 kg, the other with relatively light ones of 10 grams. The cylindrical projectiles can be spin-stabilized prior to launch for improved flight. We outline the potential of this technology for earth-to-orbit launch of small satellites.

• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5728902
• 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

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700430* -- Fusion Technology-- Magnet Coils & Fields-- (1992-)
700460 -- Fusion Technology-- Heating & Fueling Systems
COMPUTER CODES
DESIGN
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ELECTRIC HEATING
Fu
Fuels-- (1992)
HEATING
INDUCTION GENERATORS
JOULE HEATING
MAGNETIC RECONNECTION
PLASMA GUNS
PLASMA HEATING
PROJECTILES
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
RESISTANCE HEATING
SATELLITES
SPACE FLIGHT
VELOCITY