Contactless induction acceleration of conductors up to hypersonic speeds

The results of an experimental investigation of the induction acceleration of ring conductors having a mass of 0.5–3 g in the pulsed magnetic field of a single-turn inductor are presented. It is shown that low-inductive capacitive energy stores in conjunction with single-turn single-shot inductors are very efficient. A speed of 3.7 km/sec was obtained experimentally with an aluminum conductor of mass 0.77 g. Methods of measuring the very high speeds of projected objects are described. The interaction of the accelerated conductor with thick and thin barriers was investigated, and the possibility of controlling the area of the damaged surface is pointed out. The results of the experiment agree well with calculations carried out on a computer which indicate the possibility of a further increase in the speed of projection.