Category

EN

P12

Electromagnetic Mass Driver

Abstract

As the human race continues to explore the vastness of space, the need

for a more cost-effective means of reaching orbit grows. The purpose of

the project is to research and develop a viable solution to this problem.

The main focus is the use of electromagnetic accelerators as a viable

means to reach orbit. By demonstrating tuned and efficient RLC circuits as

well as effective stage timing and power management, this project will

present an alternative to conventional rocket propulsion.

The results collected from the project suggest electromagnetic

accelerators, when tuned properly and carefully, can achieve efficiencies

suitable for the proposed application. With further refinement and

development this concept could easily become a large scale replacement

for chemical fuel rockets. A smaller scale application that could readily be

implemented is the use of electromagnetic accelerators to launch

numerous micro-satellites into orbit instead of single, large satellites. The

project's results support the concept and the possibility of reaching

escape velocities.

The specific approaches used in the project set it apart from other

common designs. The implementation of a single, universal power source

for all of the stages of the accelerator allow for far greater control of

power levels throughout the firing sequence. Optical triggering of each

stage provides better timing for the solenoids opposed to manual timing of

each stage. Tuned RLC circuits provide balanced inductance, resistance,

and magnetic field strength to achieve lower switching times and more

powerful solenoids. With all of these ideas and concepts applied to the

project, it is able to produce results that are significant and substantial.

Bibliography

Serway, Raymond A., and Jerry S. Faughn. Holt Physics. Austin [Tex.]:

Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1999. http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/RLC_circuit

First Previous Next Last