A comparison between a conventional and augmented rail gun launcher's performance.

Abstract

An electromagnetic launcher is a device that uses the interaction between the magnetic fields produced by electrical currents to accelerate a projectile. Such an accelerator constitutes an alternative to the launchers propelled by chemical reactions and offers the advantage of being able to obtain very high speeds. The aim of this paper is to compare the performances of the Conventional Rail Gun (CRG) and the Augmented Rail Gun (ARG). This last is presented in the form of a launcher (CRG) reinforced by a second pair of rails, The prototype proposed is of small gauge (60 cm in length and 15 mm in diameter). The launcher's power supply is comprised of condensers' benches, which supply current to two distinct circuits: the inner circuit connects to the projectile, while the outer circuit generates an additional magnetic field. The maximum current of the inner circuit is worth 200 kA, and that of the external circuit is equal to 300 kA. The launcher makes it possible to accelerate projectiles with one or several bridges of current; the projectile mass lies between 2.0 g and 20 g.