Atmospheric effects on projectile acceleration in the rail gun

The manner in which projectile velocity in a rail gun is limited by the presence of atmosphere in the gun tube is studied. In particular, we solve the equation of motion for the acceleration of the armature and projectile, accounting for both the decelerating force exerted by the atmosphere and the...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied physics 1983-12, Vol.54 (12), p.7195-7197
Main Authors: POWELL, J. D, BATTEH, J. H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Exact sciences and technology
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
Physics
Solid dynamics (ballistics, collision, multibody system, stabilization...)
Solid mechanics
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The manner in which projectile velocity in a rail gun is limited by the presence of atmosphere in the gun tube is studied. In particular, we solve the equation of motion for the acceleration of the armature and projectile, accounting for both the decelerating force exerted by the atmosphere and the time decay of the current profile. From the solution, a characteristic time is derived which indicates quantitatively when the effect of the atmosphere can be expected to be significant. Results of the calculation are then compared qualitatively with results from two recent experiments: one in which atmospheric effects are nearly negligible and one in which they are not.
ISSN:0021-8979
1089-7550
DOI:10.1063/1.331959