Analysis of Distributed Energy Railguns to Suppress Secondary Arc Formation

Abstract

An investigation into arc splitting at distributed energy feed locations is presented. Distributed energy scheme experiments conducted at Texas Tech University reveal secondary arc formation by arc splitting at distributed current feeds. At these locations, dynamic magnetic pressure regions are believed to perturb the plasma and lead to its division into two separate current carrying bodies. Continuing research into this hypothesis and viable methods of prevention are discussed. A two stage distributed energy railgun is utilized for this analysis. Diagnostics including armature B-dots and a photodiode array facilitate an understanding of the plasma dynamics in the complex multi-stage railgun environment. The length of the free- running plasma arc allegedly is believed to be a contributing parameter into the arc splitting phenomenon. These luminosity data collected from the photodiodes provides an arc length measurement of the light emitting particles within the plasma body. This length is observed to expand and contract in accordance with the corresponding magnetic pressure present within the railgun bore.