Electromagnetic drive for acceleration of projectile in tube - exploits pressure generated by heating of toroidal arc plasma which acts as sec. winding of transformer

摘要

Plasma is produced in a toroidal discharge space (4) by the arc struck between an annular forward electrode (8) and a rearward electrode (9) coaxial with the cartridge chamber (5). The prim. winding (7) of the transformer (6) in the centre of the toroid induces Joule heating in the plasma. Energy imparted to charge carriers from the electric field is converted by ionic conduction and electron and hole scattering into motion of conductor atoms, generating heat for accelerating the projectile (2). ADVANTAGE - Discharge plasma is not contaminated by errosion of electrode material of higher mol.wt.