Parallel augmented railguns

J. Gallant, P. Lehmann

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

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Abstract

Railguns can accelerate projectiles to high velocities. However, high courants are needed which may cause rail erosion. We show that the current intensities on the rail-projectile interface can be reduced by using parallel augmented railguns without loss of kinetic energy. A drawback is that the forces on the rails are higher than with simple railguns. This limits the use of parallel augmented railguns to small calibers, since the structural integrity of the barrel of big caliber railguns is a major problem. Part of the force on the projectile can be provided by an independant energy source, for which no pulsed current must be used. Therefore, the energy supply of parallel augmented railguns will be less voluminous.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 20th International Symposium on Ballistics
EditorsJoe Carleone, Dennis Orphal
PublisherDEStech Publications Inc.
Pages28-35
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)1932078118, 9781932078114
Publication statusPublished - 2002
Event20th International Symposium on Ballistics - Orlando, United States
Duration: 23 Sept 200227 Sept 2002

Publication series

NameProceedings - 20th International Symposium on Ballistics

Conference

Conference20th International Symposium on Ballistics
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period23/09/0227/09/02

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