Multiple pole electromagnetic propulsion system with separated ballistic guidance and electrical current contact surfaces
Abstract
An electromagnetic propulsion system is disclosed having separate rails for ballistic guidance and for carrying current. In this system, one or more pairs of ballistic guidance rails are provided, with each ballistic guidance rail having a pair of current carrying rails joined to it to form a combined rail. Each combined rail is separated electrically from adjacent combined rails by electrically insulating blocks. Each of the current carrying rails in a given combined rail pair have the same electrical polarity, and the polarities alternate between adjacent combined rails. Armatures contact current carrying rails to complete the circuit to generate the accelerating Lorentz force on the armatures. Bore riders on the sabot and/or projectile are in contact with the ballistic guide rails. Separation of the current carrying and ballistic guidance functions increases resistance of the system to rail movement and bending, as well as reduced wear/damage to the rails. In further embodiments, a circumferential over wrap providing compressive force on the rails further increases resistance of the system to rail movement and bending.
- Inventors:
-
- (Los Alamos, NM)
- Issue Date:
- Research Org.:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Org.:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NA)
- OSTI Identifier:
- 942286
- Patent Number(s):
- 7398722
- Application Number:
- 11/733,237
- Assignee:
- The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
- Patent Classifications (CPCs):
-
F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F41 - WEAPONS F41B - WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC52-06NA25396; W-7405-ENG-36
- Resource Type:
- Patent
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
Citation Formats
Sims, Jr., James R. Multiple pole electromagnetic propulsion system with separated ballistic guidance and electrical current contact surfaces. United States: N. p., 2008.
Web.
Sims, Jr., James R. Multiple pole electromagnetic propulsion system with separated ballistic guidance and electrical current contact surfaces. United States.
Sims, Jr., James R. Tue .
"Multiple pole electromagnetic propulsion system with separated ballistic guidance and electrical current contact surfaces". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/942286.
@article{osti_942286,
title = {Multiple pole electromagnetic propulsion system with separated ballistic guidance and electrical current contact surfaces},
author = {Sims, Jr., James R.},
abstractNote = {An electromagnetic propulsion system is disclosed having separate rails for ballistic guidance and for carrying current. In this system, one or more pairs of ballistic guidance rails are provided, with each ballistic guidance rail having a pair of current carrying rails joined to it to form a combined rail. Each combined rail is separated electrically from adjacent combined rails by electrically insulating blocks. Each of the current carrying rails in a given combined rail pair have the same electrical polarity, and the polarities alternate between adjacent combined rails. Armatures contact current carrying rails to complete the circuit to generate the accelerating Lorentz force on the armatures. Bore riders on the sabot and/or projectile are in contact with the ballistic guide rails. Separation of the current carrying and ballistic guidance functions increases resistance of the system to rail movement and bending, as well as reduced wear/damage to the rails. In further embodiments, a circumferential over wrap providing compressive force on the rails further increases resistance of the system to rail movement and bending.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {2008},
month = {7}
}