Explosive flux compression generators for rail gun power sources

Abstract

A class of explosive magnetic flux compression generators is described that has been used successfully to power rail guns. A program to increase generator current magnitudes and pulse lengths is outlined. Various generator loss mechanisms are discussed and plans to control some of them are outlined. Included are various modifications of the conventional strip generators that are more resistant to undesirable expansion of generator components from magnetic forces. Finally, an integral rail gun is discussed that has coaxial geometry. Integral rail guns utilize the rails themselves as flux compression generator elements and, under ideal conditions, are theoretically capable of driving projectiles to arbitrarily high velocities. Integral coaxial rail guns should be superior in some regards to their square bore counterparts.