Advanced-performance macroparticle accelerators: polyphase railguns

The concept of polyphase alternating-current railguns is discussed. In this concept, multirail systems achieve a more uniform stress distribution within the barrel and the frequency passing of currents through zero-each half of the cycle-creates conditions for very low erosion and diminishes other unwanted effects. Such polyphase, alternating-current, electromagnetic rail accelerators hold the promise of higher velocities, higher efficiency, and durability. Such accelerators overcome the most severe drawbacks of the conventional railguns: the geometric mismatch between the magnetic field of the rails and the containment barrel, and the erosion effects of the direct-current arcs