Pulsed Power Requirements for EM Launchers

Abstract

Both linear (railgun) and coaxial (mass driver, etc.) electromagnetic launchers (EMLs) are treated as time-varying impedances to determine the relationships between acceleration force, payload velocity, and power supply voltage and current. These relationships are then examined in the light of electromagnetic parameters associated with each EML type to establish a basis for determining and comparing power supply requirements for various EMLs.