Abstract: An EM driver for accelerating an object may be configured as an EM rifle for accelerating, rotating to spin-stabilize, and releasing a projectile. A core includes a stator coil, forward and reverse coils, a railed shaft, and a transfer shaft. The stator coil generates a first EM field, and the forward and reverse coils generate second and third EM fields which interact with the first EM field to accelerate the armature in forward and reverse directions, respectively. The railed shaft is elongated along a central axis through the armature and includes multiple rails arranged helically around a central shaft. The armature remains in contact with the rails during acceleration so as to impart a turning motion. The transfer shaft is physically coupled with and projects forwardly from the armature and transfers to the projectile the acceleration and the turning motion of the armature in the forward direction.

Abstract: An electromagnetic propulsion system comprises a plurality of stator coils wound about a first axis, a plurality of support structures, a coupler that surrounds a portion of the stator coils, and a plurality of rotor coils wound about an axis that is parallel to the first axis. The stator coils are configured to receive electric current to induce a first magnetic field. The support structures support the stator coils. The coupler includes a notch oriented so that one of the support structures can pass through the notch when the coupler moves along the stator coils. The rotor coils are attached to the coupler and are configured to receive electric current to induce a magnetic field that interacts with the first magnetic field so that a magnetic force is applied to the rotor coils, thereby propelling the coupler and the rotor coils along the stator coils.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cable includes a data transmission path disposed about an axial center of the cable and a power transmission path sheathing the data transmission path. The power transmission path includes a power layer and a ground layer, where the power transmission path is characterized by a distributed impedance having at least one frequency dependent impedance characteristic. In some implementations, ground layer shields the data transmission path from electromagnetic interference. In some implementations, the frequency dependent impedance characteristic of the power transmission path is characterized by a capacitance value that satisfies a capacitance criterion at frequencies above a first frequency level. In some implementations, the frequency dependent impedance characteristic of the power transmission path is characterized by an inductance value that satisfies a first inductance criterion at frequencies above a first frequency level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for energy storage and management may be useful for a variety of applications, including launch devices. A system can include a direct current (DC) bus configured to operate within a predetermined range of voltages. The system can also include an array comprising a plurality of ultra-capacitors connected to the DC bus and configured to supply the DC bus with energy. The system can further include an input configured to receive energy from a power grid, wherein the power grid is configured to supply fewer than 250 amps of power. The system can additionally include an output configured to supply more than 250 amps of power. The system can also include a controller configured to control charging and discharging of the array of ultra-capacitors and configured to control the DC bus to remain within the predetermined range of voltages.

Abstract: The electromagnetic launcher with at least two power coils spaced from each other along an axis substantially coextensive with an intended trajectory of non-conductive, non-magnetic projectile with a projectile winding shorted by a diode. The power coils to inductively couple a magnetic flux to the projectile winding. A non-magnetic, electrically conductive electromagnetic shield positioned inside to each of power coils. Each shield has a central opening and at least one radial cut. The power coils with shields in this position keep holding by non-conductive, non-magnetic holder with the same size of central opening as the central openings of shields. A diameter of central opening is less than inner diameter of power coils and more than outer diameter of projectile. Circuit means connected to power coils for selectively and sequentially applying pulse voltages to power coils to excite the projectile winding and accelerate the projectile by pushing and pulling electromagnetic forces simultaneously.

Abstract: An EM driver for accelerating an object may be configured as an EM rifle for accelerating, rotating to spin-stabilize, and releasing a projectile. A core includes a stator coil, forward and reverse coils, a railed shaft, and a transfer shaft. The stator coil generates a first EM field, and the forward and reverse coils generate second and third EM fields which interact with the first EM field to accelerate the armature in forward and reverse directions, respectively. The railed shaft is elongated along a central axis through the armature and includes multiple rails arranged helically around a central shaft. The armature remains in contact with the rails during acceleration so as to impart a turning motion. The transfer shaft is physically coupled with and projects forwardly from the armature and transfers to the projectile the acceleration and the turning motion of the armature in the forward direction.

Abstract: An EM driver for accelerating an object may be configured as an EM rifle for accelerating, rotating to spin-stabilize, and releasing a projectile. A core includes a stator coil, forward and reverse coils, a railed shaft, and a transfer shaft. The stator coil generates a first EM field, and the forward and reverse coils generate second and third EM fields which interact with the first EM field to accelerate the armature in forward and reverse directions, respectively. The railed shaft is elongated along a central axis through the armature and includes multiple rails arranged helically around a central shaft. The armature remains in contact with the rails during acceleration so as to impart a turning motion. The transfer shaft is physically coupled with and projects forwardly from the armature and transfers to the projectile the acceleration and the turning motion of the armature in the forward direction.

Abstract: An EM driver for accelerating an object may be configured as an EM rifle for accelerating, rotating to spin-stabilize, and releasing a projectile. A core includes a stator coil, forward and reverse coils, a railed shaft, and a transfer shaft. The stator coil generates a first EM field, and the forward and reverse coils generate second and third EM fields which interact with the first EM field to accelerate the armature in forward and reverse directions, respectively. The railed shaft is elongated along a central axis through the armature and includes multiple rails arranged helically around a central shaft. The armature remains in contact with the rails during acceleration so as to impart a turning motion. The transfer shaft is physically coupled with and projects forwardly from the armature and transfers to the projectile the acceleration and the turning motion of the armature in the forward direction.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method comprising inducing a first current between a source of a countercharge and a first electrode, the first current being through an electrolyte. A second current is induced across the first electrode, the second current being transverse to the first current, and the second current inducing a relativistic charge across the first electrode.

Abstract: A switching device includes a first leg having a plurality of transistors connected in series. The switching device also includes a second leg having a transistor, connected in parallel to the first leg. The switching device further includes a controller controlling the plurality of transistors and the transistor. The controller is configured to turn the switching device from a first state to a second state by first turning the transistor from the first state to the second stat and then turning the plurality of transistors from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher with a closed-loop guideway and conductors for launching a projectile. The projectile is accelerated along the guideway using electromagnetic forces until it reaches a desired speed, then the projectile is launched in a desired direction. The direction of the launch of the projectile is determined by orienting the guideway in the desired direction using an actuator. The guideway may include a door or aperture allowing the projectile to be launched therefrom, tangent to the curvature of the guideway.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for accelerating projectiles at high velocity. A barrel may include one or more heaters configured to heat a bore of the barrel prior to launch of a projectile. The barrel bore may be formed in a tungsten sleeve and may be heated to high temperatures. Heat from the barrel bore may be transferred to expanding propellant behind a projectile as it travels through the barrel bore.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce the amplitude of undesirable eddy currents in conducting structures, e.g., induced by the translation of an FRC into a confinement chamber, while leaving beneficial eddy currents unaffected. This is achieved by inducing opposing currents in the same conducting structures prior to plasma translation into the confinement chamber.

Abstract: A testing device for study of a magnetized plasma artillery and gunpowder, comprising a pedestal, wherein a top end of the pedestal is provided with a sliding slot for mounting a buffer device, which penetrates through an upper part of the pedestal along a front-rear direction. The sliding slot for mounting the buffer device is internally provided with a buffering slider, which can slide back and forth along the sliding slot for mounting the buffer device. A top end of the buffering slider is provided with a gunpowder combustion chamber fixing groove, which penetrates through an upper part of the buffering slider along the front-rear direction. The gunpowder combustion chamber fixing groove is internally provided with a gunpowder combustion chamber, and an upper part of the gunpowder combustion chamber is provided with a positioning ferrule for fixing the gunpowder combustion chamber.

Abstract: A high voltage power supply for an electrostatic precipitator comprises a high voltage transformer, a high voltage bridge rectifier and a semiconductor switch controller configured to control an output power level of the high voltage power supply. A control unit (50) is configured to determine a firing angle of firing pulses for the semiconductor switch controller. During normal operation, a peak voltage value is measured and stored in each half period. When a breakdown is detected, a residual voltage (Ur) over the electrostatic precipitator is measured. A firing angle (?1) of a firing pulse to be provided to said semiconductor switch controller in the first half period after the breakdown is determined from the latest stored measured peak voltage value (Ubef) and the measured residual voltage (Ur) based on a predetermined relationship between the firing angle (?1) and said measured voltages.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher with a closed-loop guideway and conductors for launching a projectile. The projectile is accelerated along the guideway using electromagnetic forces until it reaches a desired speed, then the projectile is launched in a desired direction. The direction of the launch of the projectile is determined by orienting the guideway in the desired direction using an actuator. The guideway may include a door or aperture allowing the projectile to be launched therefrom, tangent to the curvature of the guideway.

Abstract: An explosive device composed of: a flux compression generator operative to produce a high intensity electric current when activated; and an electrical payload connected to the generator and constructed to receive the high intensity electric current and cause energy in the current to generate a plate or shaped projectile in the payload and to launch the projectiles into an explosive or insensitive reactive material target for the purpose of initiating the reactive material at single or multiple points.

Abstract: A magnetic apparatus and related method and energy product-by-process to motivate linear or rotational motion, comprising: at least one magnet ring tier comprising a ring of a plurality of permanent magnets; a central core comprising a permanent magnet projectile movement channel, an axis of the channel aligned in a direction normal to a geometric plane defined by the magnet ring, and running through a geometric center of the magnet ring; and each of the permanent magnets mounted in the ring at a mount angle thereof, with the components of their polar alignments parallel to the central core all oriented in the same direction; wherein: if the polar alignment of a permanent magnet projectile was introduced with a particular duality-dependent orientation into the permanent magnet projectile movement channel, the magnetic forces between the ring magnets and the projectile would be capable of motivating the permanent magnet projectile relative to the channel.

Abstract: A system and method for magnetically launching projectiles or spacecraft includes an electromagnetic launcher including a launch tube, and a launch craft. The launch tube includes electrically conducting rails energized along the length of the rails, and a transverse direct current magnetic field is generated along the launch tube, and upper and lower conductors and loops of conducting material on the launch craft are provided for magnetic levitation, stabilization and propulsion of the launch craft in cooperation with the transverse direct current magnetic field. A transverse direct current magnetic field is applied to the launch tube and the launch craft during launching of the launch craft, and the launch craft is magnetically levitated and stabilized to minimize contact between the launch craft and the launch tube as the launch craft travels within the launch tube.

Abstract: An aim of the present invention is, in a plug for high frequency emission disposed at an end of a casing having an emission antenna, to suppress a high frequency noise emitted from the emission antenna. The present invention is directed to a plug for high frequency emission including a transmission line for transmitting an electromagnetic wave, an emission antenna for emitting the electromagnetic wave supplied via the transmission line, and a casing constituted by a cylindrical shaped conductor, provided with the emission antenna at one end of the casing, and accommodating therein the transmission line extending from the emission antenna toward the other end of the casing. Inside of the casing, a central conductor electrically connected to the emission antenna and an outer conductor spaced apart from and surrounding the central conductor are embedded in an insulator so as to collectively constitute the transmission line, and the outer conductor is disposed in and held in non-contact with the casing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electromagnetically controlling the muzzle velocity of a conventional gun using a coil gun on a barrel extension. This method can also provide an electromagnetically induced increase to muzzle velocity beyond that capable by conventional explosives. With higher muzzle velocity, the weapons will have longer range, higher penetrating power and stand-off distances. A section of coil gun can also be used to center the projectile in the barrel to control the exit trajectory. Using a coil gun to control muzzle velocity and center the projectile can be a retrofit to existing weapons that would greatly increase their down-range accuracy.

Abstract: The recoil of an actual machine gun is simulated in an imitation machine gun by converting linearly reciprocating movement of an output shaft of a linear actuator into reciprocating movement of all or part of the imitation machine gun.

Abstract: Two exemplary approaches to the acceleration of projectiles are provided. Both approaches can utilize concepts associated with the Inductrack maglev system. Either of them provides an effective means of accelerating multi-kilogram projectiles to velocities of several kilometers per second, using launchers of order 10 meters in length, thus enabling the acceleration of projectiles to high velocities by electromagnetic forces.

Abstract: A multiple rails magnetic accelerator is presented. By means of an electric discharge, a magnetic field is created which moves an armature along the rails. These rails are made in such way they can stand multiple shoots without eroding. The launcher is configured such that the critical velocity of the armature increases along the axial direction towards the muzzle as it moves through the gun. The rails are separated with a proper electrical insulator and the whole structure can be surrounded by one or more shells to confine the barrel and apply compressive stress. The compressive stresses applied preload the rails and the composite barrel structure to resist overall forces encountered during projectile firing.

Abstract: A gun system for launching a projectile that forms a component of a two-part payload that also includes a pusher that is separable from the projectile. The system includes a barrel, a source of propellant gas to propel the projectile and the pusher through the barrel, and a retarding coil and an accelerating coil, each having a coil axis parallel to the barrel axis and surrounding a projectile passage through the barrel, the retarding coil being disposed closer to the source of propellant gas than the accelerating coil. The retarding coil is configured to generate electromagnetic energy in response to passage of the pusher when being propelled by propellant gas ignition, and the accelerating coil is configured and coupled to impose an accelerating force on the projectile in response to the electromagnetic energy generated by the retarding coil.

Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) launcher can include multiple conductive coils wrapped around a launch conduit. The EM launcher can also include a multi-phase, variable frequency linear induction motor drive. The EM launcher can be used to launch a payload under controlled acceleration at a desired velocity.

Abstract: A paintball gun barrel structure, mainly for the proper adjustment of the inner diameter of the barrel of the paintball gun for firing paint balls according to the size of the paint balls when paint balls are loaded into the barrel, to keep proper point contact with the surfaces of the paint balls, and to prevent excess interference between the interior of the barrel and the paint balls, and to thusly enhance the stability of the ballistics of the interior of the barrel so that paint balls may be fired with high accuracy when being fired towards the barrel under the control of an operation unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electromagnetic rail launchers, and particularly to a rail launcher and an associated projectile-launching process including at least two longitudinal rails connected to a power supply circuit of these two rails, these rails being at least partially surrounded by superconductor elements able to generate a magnetic induction of a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the rails and located therebetween during the flow of a current therein, launcher wherein the supply circuit includes the superconductor elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for propelling a projectile. A support structure has a propulsion structure pivotally connected thereto and is movable between an armed position and a disarmed position. In impulse delivery arrangement delivers an impulse force that propels the propulsion structure from the armed position to the disarmed position. A channel is configured to cause the projectile to be in biased contact with the propulsion structure upon the propulsion structure being in the armed position. Wherein, upon the impulse delivery arrangement delivering an impulse force propelling the propulsion structure from the armed position, the propulsion structure propels the projectile through and outwardly from the channel. The channel is selectively adjustable in X, Y, and Z planes to selectively guide the projectile in a generally predetermined direction, upon the projectile being propelled from the channel.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher operable to accelerate launch packages of various transverse sizes, the launcher comprising, in one example, two high-current linear motors having longitudinally extending, laterally open propulsion channels configured to receive and accelerate metal armatures integrated with a launch package; and a power actuated repositioning mechanism for spacing the motors apart as needed.

Abstract: An elongated electromagnetic railgun (1) adapted to propel a moving armature (30) through a bore (11) along the length of the railgun (1) from its breech end (21) to its muzzle end (22). The railgun (1) comprises two elongated mechanically rigid electrically conductive barrel sections (13), said sections (13) being spaced apart from each other along the length of the railgun (1). Mechanically coupled via a dielectric (18) to each barrel section (13) is an elongated current carrying rail (14) for providing electromagnetic propulsive force to the armature (30). The two rails (14) face each other across an elongated open channel, defining the bore (11). The two barrel sections (13) are electrically connected to each other at a maximum of one location of the railgun (1).

Abstract: Two exemplary approaches to the acceleration of projectiles are provided. Both approaches can utilize concepts associated with the Inductrack maglev system. Either of them provides an effective means of accelerating multi-kilogram projectiles to velocities of several kilometers per second, using launchers of order 10 meters in length, thus enabling the acceleration of projectiles to high velocities by electromagnetic forces.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher operable to accelerate launch packages of various transverse sizes, the launcher comprising, in one example, two high-current linear motors having longitudinally extending, laterally open propulsion channels configured to receive and accelerate metal armatures integrated with a launch package; and a power actuated repositioning mechanism for spacing the motors apart as needed.

Abstract: An elongated electromagnetic railgun (1) adapted to propel a moving armature (30) through a bore (11) along the length of the railgun (1) from its breech end (21) to its muzzle end (22). The railgun (1) comprises two elongated mechanically rigid electrically conductive barrel sections (13), said sections (13) being spaced apart from each other along the length of the railgun (1). Mechanically coupled via a dielectric (18) to each barrel section (13) is an elongated current carrying rail (14) for providing electromagnetic propulsive force to the armature (30). The two rails (14) face each other across an elongated open channel, defining the bore (11). The two barrel sections (13) are electrically connected to each other at a maximum of one location of the railgun (1).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide thermal management of a propulsion circuit in an electromagnetic munition launcher.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide thermal management of a propulsion circuit in an electromagnetic munition launcher.

Abstract: A railgun which has a conductive lubricant and system of delivery reduces the electrical resistance and friction of the armature-rail sliding contact, thereby decreasing the amount of heat generated at the electrical contact. The conductive lubricant may be a ternary alloy of bismuth, indium and tin. The system of delivery for the conductive lubricant may include a plurality of surface reservoirs formed in either the rail surface, the armature face, or both.

Abstract: Restraint release devices, systems and methods may enable actuation of a release function without using chemically energetic or thermally sensitive devices, and may employ an electromagnetic (EM) force to mechanically separate components of a fastener. A pulsed power system having a capacitive discharge circuit may be used to supply an electric current pulse to generate the EM force. The EM force can be applied to a retaining wire that surrounds and holds intact a segmented fastener. The EM force may cause the retaining wire to increase in length, thereby relaxing its hold on the segmented fastener and allowing the segments to separate and release the restraint mechanism. Restraint mechanisms using such EM restraint release devices, systems and methods may not need periodic recertification or replacement of energetics and may not have a risk of cook-off resulting from heat soak of thermally sensitive devices during operational and fault scenarios.

Abstract: A system for accelerating an armature to launch a projectile by injecting liquid aluminum between the armature and a pair of electrically conductive rails. A system for accelerating an armature by injecting liquid metal between the armature a plurality of electrically conductive rails and collecting the liquid metal. The liquid metal or liquid aluminum can comprise solid particles. A railgun structure with mechanical guide rails. A railgun structure with a film stack of alternating copper and nickel layers. An armature with guide rail supports. A method of using the system by placing liquid metal in the armature, placing the armature between conductive rails, and applying an electric current to the rails.

Abstract: An electromagnetic railgun (10) comprising at least two elongated high voltage rails (11), a sliding armature (50) making electrical contact with each high voltage rail (11), at least two elongated metal support beams (14) adapted to provide mechanical strength to the railgun (10), said support beams (14) being substantially parallel to the high voltage rails (11), and a plurality of metal support plates (30) aligned circumferentially around the support beams (14) and along the length of the railgun (10), said support plates (30) adapted to provide additional mechanical strength to the railgun (10); wherein the support plates (30) are electrically isolated from each other and from the support beams (14).

Abstract: A railgun launcher with principle rail energization and fielding derived from a co-traveling energy pulse associated with a close-coupled parallel transmission line structure. Enhanced system efficiency, plus amelioration of simple railgun negative features, is enabled via the induction hybrid railgun methodology proposed.

Abstract: An improved railgun, railgun barrel, railgun projectile, and railgun system for accelerating a solid-to-hybrid transitioning armature projectile using a barrel having a bore that does not conform to a cross-sectional profile of the projectile, to contact and guide the projectile only by the rails in a low pressure bore volume so as to minimize damage, failure, and/or underperformance caused by plasma armatures, insulator ablation, and/or restrikes.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic rail gun launcher that includes a set of spaced-apart rails defining an inside bore for slidably receiving an armature-type projectile, with the rail gun and armature configured such that when powered up the projectile is forced from a breech of the rail gun toward a muzzle of the rail gun to then launch the projectile, the improvement wherein a lubricant reconditioning pad, containing a lubricant, is secured to the projectile in a location such that it contacts the rails. As the projectile moves through the bore, the pad cleans debris from, and applies lubricant to, the rails to thereby lubricate and recondition the rails during each shot.

Abstract: A rail gun launcher consists of an armature where a magnetic core with a multiple turn conductive coil, two parallel conductive rails on which terminals of the coil contact and slide, and a non-magnetic conductive barrel enclosing the rails and the armature. The coil partially encloses the magnetic core to shift magnetic equilibrium. When an AC power source is connected to the rails, the coil generates a source magnetism around the coil as well as an induced magnetism on the conductive barrel in an opposite direction through the magnetic core. The source magnetism and the induced magnetism are shifted in magnetic equilibrium and in opposite direction thereby repelling the armature forward. This repulsive force travels with the armature and is continuous from breech to muzzle and propels the armature forward to a high velocity without control circuitry or commutation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring muzzle velocity (V0) of a projectile, which apparatus includes a smooth weapon barrel or firing barrel as a waveguide, a signal generator which is electrically connected via a signal supply line to at least one transmission coupler in order to energize the weapon barrel or firing barrel, and a receiving line for passing on the signals measured at at least one receiving coupler to an evaluation device. If the velocity is measured after the projectile has passed through, the receiving coupler is located between the projectile base and the transmission coupler, while the receiving coupler is between the projectile nose and the transmission coupler when the velocity (V0) is measured before the projectile passes through. The electromagnetic field of the empty weapon barrel is measured without a projectile, in front of the projectile or behind the projectile, or in combination. The muzzle velocity (V0) is then determined from the measured signals.

Abstract: An elongated electromagnetic railgun (1) adapted to propel a moving armature (30) through a bore (11) along the length of the railgun (1) from its breech end (21) to its muzzle end (22). The railgun (1) comprises two elongated mechanically rigid electrically conductive barrel sections (13), said sections (13) being spaced apart from each other along the length of the railgun (1). Mechanically coupled via a dielectric (18) to each barrel section (13) is an elongated current carrying rail (14) for providing electromagnetic propulsive force to the armature (30). The two rails (14) face each other across an elongated open channel, defining the bore (11). The two barrel sections (13) are electrically connected to each other at a maximum of one location of the railgun (1).

Abstract: Apparatus for inductive braking of a projectile are disclosed. Embodiments include a receiver that has a unidirectional conductor having a closed conductive pathway that encircles a passageway for a moving projectile. The unidirectional conductor permits current to flow through it in substantially only one direction around the passageway. As the projectile and its associated magnetic field move past the unidirectional conductor, the moving magnetic field induces a current flow through the closed conductive pathway, which in turn generates a magnetic field behind the projectile having the same polarity as the projectile's field. The two fields attract one another, which both exerts a braking force on the projectile and tends to align the two fields. Alignment of these fields centers the projectile away from the passageway wall.

Abstract: Two exemplary approaches to the acceleration of projectiles are provided. Both approaches can utilize concepts associated with the Inductrack maglev system. Either of them provides an effective means of accelerating multi-kilogram projectiles to velocities of several kilometers per second, using launchers of order 10 meters in length, thus enabling the acceleration of projectiles to high velocities by electromagnetic forces.

Abstract: A rail gun armature assembly utilizing unique carbon-carbon composite materials and armature design to enable repeated use of very high velocity projectile firings with minimal damage to rail guns, and a rail gun rail assembly utilizing unique carbon-carbon composite materials to enable repeated use of very high velocity projectile firings with greatly reduced damage to the gun rails.

Abstract: A system for accelerating an armature to launch a projectile by injecting liquid aluminum between the armature and a pair of electrically conductive rails. A system for accelerating an armature by injecting liquid metal between the armature a plurality of electrically conductive rails and collecting the liquid metal. The liquid metal or liquid aluminum can comprise solid particles. A railgun structure with mechanical guide rails. A railgun structure with a film stack of alternating copper and nickel layers. An armature with guide rail supports. A method of using the system by placing liquid metal in the armature, placing the armature between conductive rails, and applying an electric current to the rails.