| Hypervelocity electromagnetic coil launcher, also called linear induction launcher (LIL), consists of barrel, hollow conducting projectile (sleeve), pulse power supply, and control device. The coils of the barrel are divided into sections, and within each section are grouped into phases. Each phase in each section is energized through a switch by discharging a capacitor or a flywheel-generator set through it. Propulsive and centering forces are produced by the interaction between the traveling electromagnetic waves and the induced azimuthal currents in the sleeve.; This dissertation deals mainly with system performance analysis of the generator/capacitor driven electromagnetic coil launchers by using computer simulation codes and prototype experiments. The simulation results obtained from the theoretical models are in good agreement with test results obtained from prototypes. The five major topics are: (1) Inductance calculation and simulation program implementation; (2) Build-up of the traveling wave and optimization of the transition between sections; (3) Testing of the two-section Model 3 LIL and analysis of a 2 km/s capacitor-driven launcher; (4) Designing and analyzing generator-driven launchers; (5) Design, fabrication, and testing of a chemical/electric hybrid cannon. |
