Superconducting Augmented Rail Gun (SARG)
Abstract
Superconducting augmentation consists of a superconducting coil operating in the persistent mode closely coupled magnetically with a normally conducting rail gun. A theoretical investigation of the effect of this system on a rail gun has shown that two benefits occur. Projectile velocities increase by more than 50 percent and launch efficiencies increase by more than a factor of two depending on the magnetic coupling between the rail and augmentation circuits. Superconducting augmentation will be accomplished using a 4 Tesla dipole magnet. This magnet system, originally designed as an ESCAR bending magnet, has been modified to a warm bore configuration operating in either the persistent of constant current mode powered by 1600 amp DC supplies. These modifications will allow the above rail gun to be inserted and tested in the SARG configuration. Several factors, including magnetic quench protection, reproducibility of results, relatively low magnetic coupling coefficients, minimization of rail wear, etc, indicated that this experimental evaluation be conducted with an armature device. An advanced armature design is incorporated in our projectiles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA177555
Entities
People
- C. E. Cummings
- C. G. Homan
- C. M. Fowler
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center