Ultimate velocities for induction launchers

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5983437

Cowan, M

The ultimate velocity achievable with railguns will probably be determined by how well one can manage to minimize barrel effects associated with the need for sliding electrical contact between the rails and the armature. However, in principle, electromagnetic launchers can use levitated projectiles which are propelled by induced currents. Then barrel effects can be eliminated altogether, and the ultimate velocity is determined by ohmic heating of the projectile. In this paper, the velocity capabilities for these kinds of launchers - called induction launchers - are discussed. Requirements and pulsed power implications for achieving velocities in the 10 to 100 km/s range are developed.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5983437
• Report Number(s): SAND-87-0642C; CONF-8706155-2; ON: DE87012360
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420200* -- Engineering-- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques
ACCELERATORS
ARMATURES
CALCULATION METHODS
DRAG
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTROMAGNETISM
HEATING
INDUCTION
MAGNETISM
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PROJECTILES
RAILGUN ACCELERATORS
VELOCITY