Fmc Corporation

James P Warren

Amir Chaboki

Charalampos D Marinos

Mark E Schneider

Dennis Borgwarth

George S Chryssomallis

Chris S Sorensen

The method and apparatus disclosed herein relates to harnessing plasma to ignite, pressurize and distribute plasma, plasma-ignited chemical fluid and fuel throughout a propellant mass. Particularly, the present invention enables the creation of a progressive burning surface whereby the propellant reaches maximum pressure controllably and losses pressure much more slowly thus creating high piezometric efficiency. More particularly, in gun-charge-projectile systems, by using radial perforations designed to provide a balanced plasma discharge through a capillary wall and by developing forward accelerating thrust components, induced by the plasma pressure on a plasma-ignited chemical fluid and fuel mixture, the propelling charge travels down the gun tube with the projectile thus exerting substantial uniform pressure throughout the tube length and yielding a high ballistic efficiency which results in the attainment of high muzzle velocities.

Plasma actuated ignition and distribution pump

The method and apparatus disclosed herein relates to a precision generator and distributor device for plasma and plasma discharge arc as it particularly applies to electro-thermal chemical gun system operations. A self-adjusting filament erodably controls the formation, energy content, consistency and dimension of a plasma arc in a capillary. Specifically, in cooperation with radially and longitudinally formed perforations in the capillary wall, the filament enables the distribution of a predetermined amount of plasma and plasma-ignited chemical fluid into segments and regions of a combustible chemical in a contiguous chamber to thereby control combustion and increase piezometric and ballistic efficiency of the gun system. More specifically, the filament enables the creation of a plasma arc that is sustainable, definite and consistent and one which yields high pressure and temperature at a reduced ohmic resistance for a given power supply.

Precision generator and distributor device for plasma in

The apparatus disclosed herein relates to plasma injection and distribution systems which release high energy plasma into a combustible mass to promote efficient combustion and maximize the muzzle velocity of a projectile. The devices inject plasma streams into a combustible mass in a coherent and directed manner such that pressure peaks and the resultant thermal and dynamic stresses are eliminated. Particularly, strategically positioned outlet orifices and nozzles enable the invasion of a propellant mass by plasma jet streams to create controllable uniform ignition and combustion therein.

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Coon Rapids, MN, United States of America

James P Warren