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A counterpulsed, solid-state opening switch

Railguns have great potential in military roles; however, they currently lack a fieldable power supply. Recent advances in the state of low voltage power storage devices may enable practical Pulse Forming Inductive Network power supplies to be developed if a suitable current interruption device is developed. A solid-state device in a counterpulsed opening switch configuration is a possible solution. A demonstration counterpulsed solid-state opening switch was constructed and successfully tested. This circuit consisted of Silicon Controlled Rectifier components, which can nominally only turn on current. The counterpulsed configuration allowed them to function as opening switches and to do so at much higher current relative to their specifications. We demonstrated current interruption at up to 1 kA of peak current. This demonstration system validates the counterpulsing concept and prepares for the construction of a modular, 250 kJ system.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:nps.edu/oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/2148
Date06 1900
CreatorsGraham, Michael C.
ContributorsMaier, William B., Harkins, Richard, Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)., Physics
PublisherMonterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Source SetsNaval Postgraduate School
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Formatxiv, 32 p. : ill. (some col.) ;, application/pdf
RightsApproved for public release, distribution unlimited

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