Low voltage arc formation in railguns

Details Low voltage arc formation in railguns Low voltage arc formation in railguns

1985-08-05

1987-11-17

Kyle, Deborah L.

Ordnance

Accelerating

124 3, 310 12, F41F 102

Patent

active

047065427

ABSTRACT:
A low voltage plasma arc is first established across the rails behind the projectile by switching a low voltage high current source across the rails to establish a plasma arc by vaporizing a fuse mounted on the back of the projectile, maintaining the voltage across the rails below the railgun breakdown voltage to prevent arc formation ahead of the projectile. After the plasma arc has been formed behind the projectile a discriminator switches the full energy bank across the rails to accelerate the projectile. A gas gun injector may be utilized to inject a projectile into the breech of a railgun. The invention permits the use of a gas gun or gun powder injector and an evacuated barrel without the risk of spurious arc formation in front of the projectile.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4433608 (1984-02-01), Deis et al.
patent: 4437383 (1984-03-01), Deis et al.
R. S. Hawke et al., "Magnetic Propulsion Railguns: Their Design and Capabilities", Megagauss Physics and Tech. 1983, p. 297.
R. S. Hawke, "Devices for Launching 0.1 g Projectiles to 150 Km/s or More to Initiate Fusion, Part 2, Railgun Accelerators", Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Report No. UCRL-52778 7/6/79.

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