Abstract: A high energy inductor and method of manufacture relates to an inductor which is capable of mechanically withstanding the high magnetic forces imposed thereon during transfer of high energy pulses. The inductor is wound with a conductor under tensile stress, wherein the conductor has a fixed inner end and a free outer end. The stress is maintained in the finished inductor by means of a clamp attached to and fixing the free end of the conductor. The fabrication method involves inducing tensile stress in the conductor as it is wound on an inductor core and then maintaining the conductor tensile stress in the finished inductor component.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which provides coaxial connection between a high energy power supply and a plurality of plasma injectors in a gun breech assembly over a plurality of high energy transmission coaxial cables without losing the coaxial nature of the high energy transmission path at the connections between the coaxial cables and the plasma injectors. The apparatus includes a conductive bell housing for surrounding the connections while providing access for securing the connections with the bell housing in place.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and device in which plasma arc is vectorally mobilized to ignite and create a moving burning propellant front such that high muzzle velocities are attained under low pressures. Primarily, electromagnetic forces are used to impart direction and velocity to an ionized conductive plasma arc mass in an electrothermal-chemical cartridge. The plasma arc mass is electromagnetically directed and accelerated through a combustion chamber and a gun tube thus imparting a traveling constant pressure and thrust behind a projectile to thereby yield very high muzzle velocities.

Abstract: The method and apparatus disclosed herein relates to harnessing plasma to ignite, pressurize and distribute plasma, plasma-ignited chemical fluid and fuel throughout a propellant mass. Particularly, the present invention enables the creation of a progressive burning surface whereby the propellant reaches maximum pressure controllably and losses pressure much more slowly thus creating high piezometric efficiency. More particularly, in gun-charge-projectile systems, by using radial perforations designed to provide a balanced plasma discharge through a capillary wall and by developing forward accelerating thrust components, induced by the plasma pressure on a plasma-ignited chemical fluid and fuel mixture, the propelling charge travels down the gun tube with the projectile thus exerting substantial uniform pressure throughout the tube length and yielding a high ballistic efficiency which results in the attainment of high muzzle velocities.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed herein relates to a precision capillary discharge switch to deliver a predetermined power across a gap at the ends of electrodes enclosed in a containment envelop with a fluid media therein. A method of calibration is used to assign specific operating and arc triggering voltages based on a given gap dimension, ionization properties of the fluid or gas media and pressure within the containment envelope. The ends of the electrodes at the calibrated gap include tip geometry designed to reliably transfer power across the gap when the desired operating voltage range is reached.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a controlled increase in muzzle velocity of a projectile while reducing peak value of gas pressure inside a gun barrel. A cartridge includes an elongated body having a central bore divided into three chambers, with a fuel chamber separated from an oxidizer chamber and an elongated capillary chamber by a plurality of membranes. A fuse wire and a power supply vaporize a plasma base in the capillary chamber and provide a controlled jet to provide combustion between a second fuel in the fuel chamber and an oxidizer material in the oxidizer chamber. The power supply controls the fuel-oxidizer combustion rate to obtain a relatively steady pressure of long duration against the projectile which results in high projectile velocity with relatively low peak values of pressure in the gun barrel.