Exploratory development of the reconnection launcher 1986-90

Author

Cowan, M. ; Widner, M.M. ; Cnare, E.C. ; Duggin, B.W. ; Kaye, R.J. ; Freeman, J.R.

Author_Institution

Sandia Nat. Lab., Albuquerque, NM, USA

Volume

27

Issue

1

fYear

1991

fDate

1/1/1991 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

563

Lastpage

567

Abstract

The exploratory development phase for the reconnection launcher is summarized. This is an induction launcher which features a contactless, solid armature with either flat-plate or cylindrical geometry. The strategy for successful design is discussed, emphasizing the way the issues of ohmic heating and high-voltage requirements for high velocity were resolved. The indispensable role of a fast-running, mesh-matrix code is stressed. The three multistage launcher are described. One of these achieved a muzzle velocity of 1 km/s with a 150 gram flat-plate projectile. The other two have launched cylindrical projectiles at 335 m/s, one with relatively heavy projectiles of 5 kg, the other with relatively light ones of 10 g. The cylindrical projectile scan be spin-stabilized prior to launch for improved flight. The potential of this technology for earth-to-orbit launch of small artificial satellites is outlined

Keywords

aerospace propulsion; design engineering; electromagnetic launchers; inductive energy storage; power supplies to apparatus; projectiles; pulse generators; pulsed power technology; EM launchers; artificial satellites; design; development; earth-to-orbit launch; induction launcher; muzzle; ohmic heating; projectile; reconnection launcher; solid armature; Coils; Current density; Geometry; Heating; Laboratories; Payloads; Power supplies; Projectiles; Satellites; Solids;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9464

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/20.101095

Filename

101095