Parametric approach to linear induction accelerator design

A parametric approach to defining effective accelerator designs is described. This method uses a computer optimization routine to iteratively seek out effective designs. The optimization routine is forced to search within a parameter space restricted to interesting and realistic parameters such as size, weight, voltage, and temperature rises. A filament model is used as the filter for the optimizer. Several linear induction accelerators have been designed using this method. The designed accelerators all used a switched capacitor power supply. While the run time of this code is moderately long, the resulting designs have good predicted performance. With realistic power supplies and materials, accelerator efficiencies in the 20 and 40% range were obtained. The effect of armature diameter, length-to-diameter ratio, and weight (as well as other parameters) on the optimum accelerator designed are described