Importance

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Abstract

A high power source of electrical energy, such as a homopolar generator, is connected to a longitudinally extending coaxial structure which forms a gun barrel. Within the gun barrel toward the end to which the power supply is connected is mounted a coaxial projectile, or several projectiles, in engagement with one or more movable conductive elements, that extend between the two longitudinally extending conductors. The homopolar generator is switched to apply on the order of a megajoule of energy to the coaxial structure, and after being delayed for a short interval until the current has built up to a significant level, the conductive element is accelerated with the projectile as a result of the magnetic pressure building up within the coaxial structure. Velocities on the order of 2 kilometers per second with kilogram mass projectiles may be achieved with a gun barrel approximately one meter in length.

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First Claim