Boosted electromagnetic device and method to accelerate solid metal slugs to high speeds

Abstract

A device and method which combine electromagnetic acceleration with acceleration by high-pressure gases derived from chemical energy to achieve high slug speeds. In one embodiment the device includes a cylindrical metal tube having an outer diameter and an inner diameter and a central channel; at least one conductive coil surrounding the metal tube; a metal slug disposed within the central channel; a conducting central electrode, having a centrally formed cavity; a conducting rod having at least one cavity including a propellant, wherein a first portion of the conducting rod is attached to the metal slug at a connection point, a second portion of the conducting rod extends between the metal slug and the central electrode, and a third portion of the conducting rod extends within the cavity of the central electrode such that a space is formed between the end of the third portion and the back of the cavity within the central electrode; and an insulator disposed within the central channel and surrounding the conducting central electrode and the second portion of the conducting rod except at the connection point. When a current is applied to the metal tube, the central electrode, and the at least one conductive coil causes the conducting rod to break with resultant generation of a plasma which ignites the propellant such that the energy from the propellant and electromagnetic forces accelerate the slug to speeds greater than are achievable by the propellant alone.