The velocity capabilities of induction launchers are discussed. It is shown that to produce their ultimate projectile velocities, induction launchers must be operated with an optimum amount of magnetic-field diffusion into the projectile. Too much results in an unacceptable loss of propelling force, and too little causes excessive heating. The author also discusses the role of magnetic drag in limiting ultimate velocity. He concludes that induction launchers with levitated armatures could reach the velocity range of 10-100 km/s if the following requirements were met: carbon must be the armature material, but its resistivity need not be as low as that of good metallic conductors; the amount of magnetic diffusion into the armature should be controlled during acceleration, so that the best balance between forward-going force and ohmic heating is achieved; the launcher and its pulsed power should be designed to keep magnetic drag from becoming an important factor during acceleration; launcher geometry must ensure that the forward-going force on the armature per square is reasonably close to the one-dimensional value; and the scale cannot be small.
Ultimate velocities for induction launchers
Erreichbare Geschoßgeschwindigkeiten bei induktiven Magnetkanonen
1987
3 Seiten, 11 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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