Characterization and Diagnostics of Electric Railgun Muzzle Arc Plasma
Abstract
The objective of this proposed work is to characterize the plasma being produced during the ejection of the projectile fired by the rail gun under development by the US Navy. The characterization will be in terms of electron temperature and density during the discharge. The railgun relies on a Lorenz force that impulses the projectile at extremely high velocities. Since the projectile is part of the electric circuit that generates the force, as soon as the projectile leaves the muzzle the circuit is broken, causing an electric arc with a significant ionization of the surrounding air. It is proposed to design an energy analyzer to diagnose the electron temperatures and densities present in the muzzle plasma. Hopefully, the energy distribution of the particles will be also obtained. All this information will be used to characterize the thermal plasma associated with the discharge. This information will allow to understand the processes that are taking places during the firing of the railgun. It also will enable the researchers to estimate the type, intensity, and frequency of the electromagnetic emissions being produced by the railgun. The work will comprise four stages, namely, literature review, design of the energy analyzer, construction and test of the energy analyzer at the laboratory, and testing of the energy analyzer at the actual railgun.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 30, 2020
- Source ID
- N001741910032
Entities
People
- Angel E Gonzalez-lizardo
Organizations
- Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
- United States Navy