Review of armature research (railguns)

Plasma and hybrid armature research are reviewed. The role of secondary arcs in limiting the velocity in hypervelocity experiments is discussed. Possible mechanisms for secondary arc formation are outlined and techniques for controlling the behavior of secondaries, such as the use of confined plasmas, are described. The physical picture of the hybrid armature that has evolved from small-bore, hybrid-armature tests is also reviewed. Finally, recommendations for future work are presented.<
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