Metallic Induction Reaction Engine.
Abstract
Metal rings placed close to a pulsed field coil have been accelerated at 200 million gee to 5 km/s in a 2 cm length by Bandoletov in the USSR Bandoletov, 1977. We have studied the basic phenomena and ultimate limitations of the pulsed induction process both theoretically and experimentally to determine its usefulness as a reaction engine. It is possible in principle to accelerate metal rings at high efficiency, and impart sufficient energy to ensure melting and evaporation, so that the reaction mass is ultimately ejected in the form of plasma. In practice the process is limited by electrical, mechanical and thermal failure of the induction coil. Over a hundred shots were fired including several in which 12 gram rings were accelerated to over 700 m/s at efficiencies above 30 percent. This is equivalent to the performance of a high power rifle with a one inch long barrel. An unexpected result of these studies is the discovery that to achieve maximum velocity, the mutual inductance gradient between induction coil and projectile ring in the firing position must be reduced to minimize the initial acceleration. This reduces the back-voltage and increases the interaction time, resulting in maximum energy transfer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 27, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA173323
Entities
People
- Douglas Hart
- Henry H. Kolm
- Peter P. Mongeau