Studies of a very high efficiency electromagnetic launcher

This paper describes the culmination of a research activity intended to demonstrate unequivocally that in a launcher, electrostatic to kinetic energy conversion can be achieved with an efficiency exceeding 50%. Two numerical models are presented, with the first of these being a fast and simple method of establishing the optimum launcher design. The second model is based on detailed filamentary considerations, and for the first time highlights the various factors that limit the global efficiency. Results from the detailed modelling are shown to be in very good agreement with experimentally obtained data. (author)