Transition between two sections in a linear induction launcher (LIL)

In the linear induction launcher (LIL), the barrel is divided into sections, and each one is energized in polyphase fashion by discharging a capacitor bank through the drive coils. The capacitor voltages and the frequency of the currents in the drive coils progressively increase along the barrel, from breech to muzzle. In this paper, the transition between the sections of a two-section launcher, designed for a muzzle velocity of 500 m/s, is investigated with the aid of a computer simulation, previously validated. It is shown that the velocity is relatively insensitive to the location of the projectile at the transition when the second section is energized; i.e., it is insensitive to the time of energization. Also, the transitions between sections of a multi-section 2 km/s launcher, where the frequencies are much higher, are studied with respect to their influence on overall performance. Here again it is shown that the muzzle velocity is insensitive to the firing times of the individual sections, and to several other changes in the operating conditions of the launcher.<>