Abstract

The effect of current variations on the behavior of railgun plasma armatures is investigated with a one‐dimensional, time‐dependent model. Three typical current profiles are considered: two inductive profiles, one with a time constant of 0.5 msec and the other with a time constant of 2.0 msec, and a capacitive profile. All three calculations are for an armature in a 5 cm square‐bore railgun. It is observed that current variations create oscillations in the armature length, projectile acceleration, and projectile jerk. In addition, the current profile significantly affects the axial distribution of the plasma velocity, current density, and total pressure. The significance of these transients on the design of projectiles and the interpretation of diagnostic data is discussed, and suggestions for future calculations are outlined.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.