A 750 KJ sequentially-fired pulse forming network for a helical coil electromagnetic launcher

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The design, simulation, and development of a sequentially-fired pulse forming network (SFPFN) to power a large bore helical coil electromagnetic launcher (HCEL) is presented and discussed in this thesis. This investigation furthers the previous work of a medium-bore HCEL SFPFN. Improvements on the previous design include increasing total stored energy and peak current. Additional improvements include a more robust charging program as well as a computer controlled firing system. The new field programmable gate array (FPGA) firing system allows for an easily variable and accurate firing system as well as fault monitoring trip out system to protect the SFPFN in case of a fault.