Electronic and Fiber-Optic Applications in Pulsed Power Networks

Abstract

The electrothermal-chemical (ETC) gun program at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, utilizes pulse-forming networks (PFN) to deliver electrical energy at specific energy profiles. This energy, when injected through a 'capillary' chamber as a superheated jet, causes the combustion of propellants or working fluids. The possibility of attaining a greater pressure gain by delay-triggering the plasma injection from the conventional electric match propellant ignition (pressure raise), using an electronic voltage/pressure sensor and time delay generator, is discussed. The high electrical energy level involved in these PFN operations requires the use of a fiber-optic control system, which is also discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA283629

Entities

People

  • G. L. Katulka
  • M. Del Guercio
  • S. Fortier

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amplifiers
  • Chambers
  • Combustion
  • Combustion Chambers
  • Control Systems
  • Detectors
  • Electric Power
  • Energy
  • Engineering
  • Generators
  • High Voltage
  • Ignition
  • Impedance
  • Military Research
  • Pressure Transducers
  • Propellants
  • Resistance

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion and Flow Dynamics.
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Rocket Propulsion.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems