Electrostatic Acceleration of Microprojectiles to Ultrahypervelocities
Abstract
A broad survey of potential techniques has led to a consistent system design for electrostatic acceleration of microprojectiles to ultrahypervelocity (> 100 km/s) . The microprojectile itself is a microndiameter carbon fiber, a few hundred microns long, charged to levels of several coulombs/kg by application of fields at the fiber surface of 10(expn 9) V/m. Dielectric encapsulation of electrodes in a multiplate accelerator structure allows the use of accelerating fields in excess of 10(expn 8) V/m, with comparable fields for focusing and guiding the projectile. A reflex transmission line arrangement has been devised that permits the longitudinal accelerating field to follow the projectile motion with minimal switch action and a non-reversing electric field vector. Neutralization of the projectile charge is accomplished by thermionically-emitted electrons without disturbing the integrity of the projectile or its motion. Results of the design study, scaling of design constraints and prospects for practical accomplishment will be discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA639199
Entities
People
- D. Conte
- P. J. Turchi
- S. W. Seiler