Limiting Factors in the Performance of Rail Guns
Abstract
This paper examines the theoretical limits to the efficiency of a rail gun. The distinguishing feature of all rail guns is the need to have solid monolithic conductors for the rails. These rails impose an ultimate limit to the efficiency possible due to skin depth constrained electrical resistance. This paper examines the theory required to evaluate such effects and explores several possible rail gun configurations which allow an increase in ultimate efficiency. The design and construction of an experimental test bed is described as well as the operation of a novel crowbar switch which operates in microseconds and crowbars an inductor at a voltage zero.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA637354
Entities
People
- M. F. Rose
- O. Fitch
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division