WARP-10: a numerical simulation model for the cylindrical reconnection launcher

Abstract

A fully self-consistent computer simulation code called WARP-10, used for modeling the reconnection launcher, is described. WARP-10 has been compared with various experiments with good agreement for performance and heating. Simulations predict that it is possible to obtain nearly uniform acceleration with high efficiency and low armature heating. There does not appear to be an armature heating limit to velocity provided the armature mass can be sufficiently large. Simulation results that show it is possible to obtain conditions needed for earth-to-orbit (ETO) launch applications (4.15 km/s and a 850 kg launch mass) are presented. This 3100-stage launcher has an efficiency of 47.2% and a final ohmic energy/kinetic energy equal to 0.00146. The mode of launcher operation is similar to a traveling wave induction launcher and is produced by properly timed and tuned discrete stages. Further optimization and much higher velocities appear possible.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>