The Kirkcudbright EML facility pulsed power system as a driver for electrothermal guns

Abstract

The Defence Research Agency, with support from Physics International, has performed a detailed study of the use of the pulsed power system at the Kirkcudbright Electromagnetic Launch Facility as a driver for electrothermal guns. The study addressed the performance of the bank, as is, driving representative ET loads, evaluated possible modifications of the bank to improve its performance into certain loads, and estimated the implications (cost, schedule, and effect on operation into EM loads) of such modifications. This paper describes the performance of the bank in its present configuration and discusses the types of loads for which performance is limited, as is. Loads for which modifications may be desired are then described. Possible modifications are presented and predicted performance with the modifications in place is reviewed.