NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
LeRC rail accelerators - Test designs and diagnostic techniquesThe feasibility of using rail accelerators for various in-space and to-space propulsion applications was investigated. A 1 meter, 24 sq mm bore accelerator was designed with the goal of demonstrating projectile velocities of 15 km/sec using a peak current of 200 kA. A second rail accelerator, 1 meter long with a 156.25 sq mm bore, was designed with clear polycarbonate sidewalls to permit visual observation of the plasma arc. A study of available diagnostic techniques and their application to the rail accelerator is presented. Specific topics of discussion include the use of interferometry and spectroscopy to examine the plasma armature as well as the use of optical sensors to measure rail displacement during acceleration. Standard diagnostics such as current and voltage measurements are also discussed. Previously announced in STAR as N83-35053
Document ID
19840049244
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Zana, L. M.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Kerslake, W. R.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Sturman, J. C.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Wang, S. Y.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Terdan, F. F.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: IEEE Transactions on Magnetics
Volume: MAG-20
ISSN: 0018-9464
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Accession Number
84A32031
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available