Combustion driven pulsed linear generators for electric gun applications

Energy storage and pulse forming for electromagnetic and electro-thermal chemical guns has historically been accomplished through the use of complex power trains. Such power trains typical involve a prime power source, electrical or mechanical power conversion devices, capacitive or flywheel energy storage devices, and sophisticated switching and control elements. Kaman Electromagnetics (KEC) has developed concepts for simpler pulse power systems where chemical energy is converted more directly into an electrical output which can be utilized by an electric gun load without further conditioning. One family of devices which has shown considerable promise is the linear flux compressor. Early work with flux compressors used explosives and was suited only for microsecond duration pulses. More recent efforts utilizing propellants and even conventional hydrocarbon fuels can provide millisecond duration pulses which are well suited for electric gun type loads. Internally funded efforts indicate linear flux compressor pulse power supplies can be considerable smaller and lighter than conventional systems. This paper presents the operational principles and design issues of linear flux compressors suitable for EM guns. Point designs, performance simulations and general scaling relationships are also presented.