Ultimate velocities for induction launchers

Conference · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 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
• Resource Relation: Conference: 6. IEEE pulsed power conference, Washington, DC, USA, 29 Jun 1987; Other Information: Paper copy only, copy does not permit microfiche production
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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