Abstract: A device and method to accelerate solid metal slugs to high speeds. In one embodiment, a large electric current is passed through an outer cylindrical metal tube enclosing in part a metal slug, a central electrode, and a conducting tail coupled at opposite ends to the. metal slug and the central electrode. Electromagnetic forces accelerate the metal slug to a point high enough to mechanically separate the conducting tail. On separation, a plasma is generated by the passage of electric current though a gas produced by vaporization of the conducting tail and nearby materials. An insulator enclosed within the tube prevents the plasma from shorting to the outer tube until the current flow has produced a sufficient magnetic field to contain the plasma. The metal slug is then accelerated to high speed by a combination of electromagnetic forces and mechanical pressure from the hot gas through which the electric current is passing.

Abstract: A device and method to produce a hot, dense, long-lived plasma. In one embodiment, a large electric current is passed through an outer tube enclosing in part a piston, a notched conducting rod and central electrode. Electromagnetic forces accelerate the piston to a point high enough to mechanically separate the conducting rod at the location of the notch before the conducting rod is melted. On separation, a plasma is generated by the passage of electric current though a gas produced by vaporization of the conducting rod and nearby materials. An insulator enclosed within the tube prevents the plasma from shorting to the outer tube until the current flow has produced a sufficient magnetic field to contain the plasma. The piston is then accelerated by a combination of electromagnetic forces and mechanical pressure from the hot gas through which the electric current is passing.

Abstract: A device and method which combine electromagnetic acceleration with acceleration by high-pressure gases derived from chemical energy to achieve high slug speeds.

Abstract: An inductive pulse forming network stores electrical energy delivered from an outside prime power supply in the electric field of a low-voltage, high-energy density network capacitor. Through timed actuation of a series of one or more switches, the energy stored in the electric field of the network capacitor is subsequently converted to electrical energy stored in the magnetic field of a network inductor. The energy stored in the network inductor supplies high-current, high-power electrical energy to drive an electromagnetic launcher such as a railgun.

Abstract: An inductive pulse forming network stores electrical energy delivered from an outside prime power supply in the electric field of a low-voltage, high-energy density network capacitor. Through timed actuation of a series of one or more switches, the energy stored in the electric field of the network capacitor is subsequently converted to electrical energy stored in the magnetic field of a network inductor. The energy stored in the network inductor supplies high-current, high-power electrical energy to drive an electromagnetic launcher such as a railgun.