Design of a Rising Frequency Generator/Coaxial Accelerator

Abstract

The Center for Electromechanics at the University of Texas at Austin (CEM-UT), has designed a high efficiency, low mass and volume, matched rising frequency generator (RFG), and coaxial accelerator system to launch a 22-MJ projectile at 1000 m/s. The RFG produces variable frequency voltage by utilizing a novel variable frequency field excitation scheme. The matched system is designed to accelerate a 44-kg launch package to 1000 m/s in a 5-m-long, 15-stage accelerator, with an average-to-peak acceleration of 0.68 and armature mass-to-launch package mass ratio of 0.25. The RFG is designed for 40-GW peak power at 800 Hz and features a power gain of 26 (output power/field power)