Flux Compression Coil System for Hypervelocity Projectile Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projectile launch technologies, such as traditional propellant-based systems and electromagnetic rail guns, face limitations in achieving high velocities efficiently, with issues like energy wastage, system complexity, and incompatibility with existing artillery systems.
Innovation Solution
A flux compression generator system that converts propellant energy into electromagnetic energy to accelerate projectiles, using a double coil system within the gun barrel to achieve higher velocities without modifying the gun structure, allowing for the use of existing breech and cartridge cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional propellant-based systems are used to achieve high projectile velocity, then projectile velocity is limited by propellant sound speed and barrel length, but system complexity and energy wastage increase as theoretical limits are approached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical propellant-based acceleration system with an electromagnetic acceleration system. The electromagnetic launcher uses magnetic fields generated by coils to accelerate the projectile, substituting the mechanical action of expanding propellant gases with electromagnetic forces. This allows the projectile to exceed propellant sound speed limitations while improving energy efficiency, as electromagnetic energy can be more directly converted to projectile kinetic energy without the losses inherent in combustion and gas expansion.
2Speed
If electromagnetic rail gun techniques are used to achieve hypersonic projectile velocity, then projectile velocity is no longer limited by propellant sound speeds, but system mass and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the massive external generator and magnetic braking systems from the traditional electromagnetic rail gun design. Instead, the system uses the gun's existing structure and a compact coil assembly to generate the necessary electromagnetic fields. The energy storage and generation functions are integrated into the cartridge and gun barrel assembly, removing the need for separate massive external power sources and reducing overall system mass while maintaining hypersonic velocity capability.
3Speed
If electromagnetic rail gun techniques are used to achieve hypersonic projectile velocity, then high velocities are achieved, but electromagnetic erosion of sliding contacts and sabot materials occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-contact electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the projectile. Instead of direct physical contact between sliding contacts and the projectile (which causes erosion), the system uses magnetic fields generated by coils to transfer energy to the projectile. The projectile, equipped with a conductive or ferromagnetic component, interacts with the electromagnetic field without physical contact, eliminating erosion of sliding contacts and sabot materials while maintaining acceleration effectiveness.
4Speed
If rocket-assisted projectiles are used to extend artillery range, then extended range is achieved, but payload mass is limited and cartridge case design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the propellant function and electromagnetic acceleration function into a unified system. The cartridge case contains both the conventional propellant charge and the electromagnetic coil assembly, combining what were previously separate systems (propellant acceleration and electromagnetic boost) into a single integrated cartridge. This eliminates the need for complex multi-stage ignition systems and separate rocket motor compartments, simplifying cartridge case design while maintaining the capability to achieve extended range through electromagnetic acceleration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables projectiles to reach significantly higher velocities, such as 2 km/s, with reduced time-of-flight and increased range, while maintaining system efficiency and compatibility with existing gun systems, and can be applied to both mortars and artillery.
Implementation Method 1
a retarding coil which converts kinetic energy associated with the pusher and propellant gases into electromagnetic energy
Implementation Method 2
an accelerating coil which converts electromagnetic energy into kinetic energy to accelerate the projectile to a high velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A gun system for launching a projectile that forms a component of a two-part payload that also includes a pusher that is separable from the projectile. The system includes a barrel, a source of propellant gas to propel the projectile and the pusher through the barrel, and a retarding coil and an accelerating coil, each having a coil axis parallel to the barrel axis and surrounding a projectile passage through the barrel, the retarding coil being disposed closer to the source of propellant gas than the accelerating coil. The retarding coil is configured to generate electromagnetic energy in response to passage of the pusher when being propelled by propellant gas ignition, and the accelerating coil is configured and coupled to impose an accelerating force on the projectile in response to the electromagnetic energy generated by the retarding coil.