DRA 500 kJ multi-module capacitor bank

Augsburger, B.; Smith, B.; McNab, I.R.; Chen, Y.G.; Edwards, Dakota; Gilbert, Steve; Savell, G.; Robinson, M.P.; Chapman, P.L.

doi:10.1109/20.364737

Cited by 18 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Unless stated otherwise, a single module of a ten module, 500 kJ, 800 µF capacitor-based pulsed power supply [12] was used for the investigation of the wire explosion process described in this paper. This single module was connected in series with an inductor and the exploding wire load.…”

Section: Experimental Parametersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Formation of plasma around wire fragments created by electrically exploded copper wire

Taylor

2002

J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.

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The physical processes occurring during the electrical explosion of metallic conductors has attracted interest for many years. Applications include circuit breakers, segmented lightning divertor strips for aircraft radomes, disruption of metallic shaped charge jets, plasma armatures for electromagnetic railguns and plasma generators for electrothermal-chemical guns. Recent work has cited the phenomenology of the fragmentation processes, particularly the development of a plasma around the lower resistance condensed fragments. An understanding of both the fragmentation process and the development of the accompanying formation of plasma is essential for the optimization of devices that utilize either of these phenomena. With the use of x-radiography and fast photography, this paper explores the wire explosion process, in particular the relationship between the fragmentation, plasma development and resistance rise that occurs during this period. A hypothesis is put forward to account for the development of plasma around the condensed wire fragments. Experimental parameters used in this study are defined. Wires studied were typically copper, with a diameter of 1 mm and length in excess of 150 mm. Circuit inductance used were from 26 to 800 µH. This relatively high circuit inductance gave circuit rise times less than 180 MA s-1, slow with respect to many other exploding wire studies. Discharge duration ranged from 0.8 to 10 ms.

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Section: Experimental Parametersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Formation of plasma around wire fragments created by electrically exploded copper wire

Taylor

2002

J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.

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Electromagnetic Propulsion

McNab

2003

Encyclopedia of Space Science and Technology

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Sporadic attempts have been made for more than 150 years to use electrical energy to launch projectiles at high velocities. Throughout the world during the last 20 years, most of the funding invested in electromagnetic (EM) launcher development has been for military applications. In most cases, the perceived advantage has been attaining higher velocities than can be achieved with propellant guns, leading to enhanced lethality. The elimination of gun propellants would also reduce vulnerability as well as allowing an increased number of stored rounds and enabling extended missions. The EM rail gun has been the preferred choice for this application because it has already repeatedly demonstrated muzzle velocities well above those of conventional guns—typically 2500 m/s versus 1750 m/s. The military challenge is to fit the electric pulsed power equipment into a battleworthy vehicle, especially if it needs to be compact. The main potential applications are direct fire tank guns, long‐range artillery, and air and missile defense. Several electrical or electromagnetic (EM) concepts have been suggested, as described here, but their potential for space applications is, as yet, limited. However, the technological bases are now being created on which future EM launch systems for space exploration could be based in the twenty‐first century. Such systems could include launch to space from the surface of Earth, the Moon or asteroids, Maglev launch assist for large rocket systems and, possibly, EM thrusters for space transportation. Electrical ion engines have been used in space, and the Hall plasma thruster is under development for NASA. The interest in electric launchers for military applications has led to improved understanding and advances in many technical areas. Most military applications for EM launchers require gigawatt power levels for pulse lengths of a few milliseconds to accelerate a useful projectile in a launcher of acceptable length. Coupled with the need for compact and robust equipment, this is a challenging goal for the pulsed power system. The desire to achieve muzzle velocities significantly greater than those of conventional guns—from 2–3 km/s—also requires developing the launcher and projectile. Recent progress in these areas could be the basis for future space applications.

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Electromagnetic Propulsion

McNab¹

2006

Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia

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DRA 500 kJ multi-module capacitor bank

Cited by 18 publications

References 0 publications

Formation of plasma around wire fragments created by electrically exploded copper wire

Formation of plasma around wire fragments created by electrically exploded copper wire

Electromagnetic Propulsion

Electromagnetic Propulsion

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