ELECTROMAGNETIC LAUNCH - STATE OF THE ART AND OPPORTUNITIES

One of the most interesting applications of high magnetic fields is related to projectile acceleration to high velocities. This problem is traditionally considered at conferences on megagauss magnetic field generation and related topics. The applied significance of this problem has stimulated worldwide large-scale laboratory research and has led to the organization of regular, international conferences on electromagnetic launch problems. Here, the present state of the art of this research area is analyzed, the most significant (in the author’s opinion) advances are outlined, and problems and prospects of electromagnetic launching of solids are discussed.