Electromagnetic Launch Research at The University of Texas at Austin

The Center for Electromechanics at The University of Texas at Austin (CEM-UT) has been involved in the development of rotating electrical machines for pulsed power applications since 1973 and in the development of electromagnetic launch technology since 1979. The CEM-UT single shot laboratory gun, a 90 mm round-bore railgun 10 m long, is reviewed. The extensive operating experience with the ferromagnetic compulsator built at CEM-UT in the mid-1980's is reviewed and two new compulsator projects are described. Finally, future trends in the evolution of power supplies for electromagnetic railguns are surveyed.