Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

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

Conference ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/20.101108· OSTI ID:7248451
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 950 kg launch mass). This 3100-stage launcher has an efficiency of 47.2% and a final ohmic energy/kinetic energy = .000146. The mode of launcher operation is similar to a traveling water induction launcher and is produced by properly times and tuned discrete stages. Further optimization and much high velocities appear possible. 15 refs., 6 figs.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/DP
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
7248451
Report Number(s):
SAND-89-2070C; CONF-9004136--1; ON: DE90007287
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

WARP-10; A numerical simulation model for the cylindrical reconnection launcher
Conference · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1990 · IEEE Transactions on Magnetics (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States) · OSTI ID:5655263

Exploratory development of the reconnection launcher 1986-1990
Conference · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1990 · IEEE Transactions on Magnetics (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States) · OSTI ID:5728902

Exploratory development of the reconnection launcher, 1986--1990
Conference · Sun Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1989 · OSTI ID:7251071