A program to compute magnetic fields, forces, and inductances due to solid rectangular conductors arbitrarily positioned in space

The computer program BUS3D was developed to compute the magnetic field and vector potential produced by a collection of rectangular busbars carrying DC current and arbitrarily oriented in space, using exact analytic expressions. The field and vector potential expressions are used in numerical integrations to obtain forces on individual busbars and inductances or mutual inductances between collections of busbars. The program has been checked against known results found in the literature. BUS3D has been used in the design of electromagnetic launch system component interconnections and in the analysis of a rail gun. An example of a rail gun configuration is presented to show the various options BUS3D offers.