Analysis of an inverse railgun power source

A model for an inverse railgun is investigated to determine under what specific conditions the device can be effectively used as a power source in a switchless configuration. Solutions for two types of loads are considered in some detail and the physical reasons for the results are discussed. In the first case, the inverse railgun is used to power a simple breech-fed railgun. Limiting-case analytic as well as more general numerical solutions of the governing equations are presented. The relevant parameters needed for efficient operation of the device with a railgun load are enumerated. In the second case, the inverse railgun is used to power a combination resistive-inductive load and a similar analysis of the pertinent parameters is undertaken. It is concluded that the inverse railgun is feasible for powering a railgun; however, for the resistive-inductive load, the small total resistance required imposes a rather stringent limitation on the utility of the device.