The test and analysis of a 3-stage reconnection coilgun

For the principle test a 3-stage reconnection coilgun was built. It has a 64 mm bore, length of 330 mm and a projectile weight of 1 kg. The muzzle velocity is about 100 m/s. The value of the capacitors of the driver coils are 4480, 3000 and 715 /spl mu/F with initial voltages 3.3, 3.6 and 6.0 kV respectively. The agreement of the results between the test and the analysis is good. The performances of AC and DC work modes are compared. DC mode means that a shunt circuit is inserted into each driver coil circuit to prevent current reversal. In the test, visible plastic deformations of the armature occur and it was confirmed by computer simulation.