SBIR-STTR Award

Flexible Cooled Power Conductors for Electromagnetic Railguns
Award last edited on: 10/26/2018

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : Navy
Total Award Amount
$890,154
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
N111-074
Principal Investigator
David P Bauer

Company Information

IAP Research Inc (AKA: Iap)

2763 Culver Avenue
Dayton, OH 45429
   (937) 296-1806
   info@iap.com
   www.iap.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 10
County: Montgomery

Phase I

Contract Number: N00014-11-M-0205
Start Date: 5/9/2011    Completed: 8/14/2012
Phase I year
2011
Phase I Amount
$149,956
Electromagnetic railguns are transitioning from single shot lab guns to a weapon system firing 6-12 rounds per minute. The cables that supply the railgun current from the power supply must also make this transition. We propose to develop a flexible coaxial cable with cooled conductors to meet this need. The cable system will be designed to deliver the 5-6 mega-amps required by tactical railguns. The cable terminations will be designed to integrate with the limited space allowed at the launcher for these electrical connections. At the completion of Phase I, we will have: designed, built, and tested a prototype coaxial cable to meet the thermal demands.

Benefit:
The results of this project will lead to a flexible coaxial cable with cooled conductors for high power devices, such as electromagnetic railguns. A successful Phase I project will provide the cable design and initial solutions to some of the key fabrication processes. Phase II will refine the building process and thermal performance of these cables and deliver prototype cable for testing in pulsed power systems. The cables developed by this project could increase the production rate of the pulsed power magnetic pressing (MAGNEPRESS) systems we sell. MAGNEPRESS systems are used to produce net shape powder parts, form metal, and to create assemblies.

Keywords:
cable, cable, high power, pulsed power, coaxial, Railgun

Phase II

Contract Number: N00014-12-C-0319
Start Date: 3/28/2012    Completed: 10/15/2013
Phase II year
2012
Phase II Amount
$740,198
Electromagnetic railguns are transitioning from single shot lab guns to a weapon system firing 6-12 rounds per minute. The cables that supply the railgun current from the power supply must also make this transition. In Phase 1, we designed, built, and thermally tested a flexible cooled coaxial cable for this application. In Phase II, we propose to optimize this design between the three competing factors resistive losses/coolant requirements, cable size, and flexibility. The cable system will be designed to deliver the 5-6 mega-amps required by tactical railguns. The cable terminations will be designed to integrate with the limited space allowed at the launcher for these electrical connections. Cable flexibility must accommodate the required range of motion needed for aiming and recoil survival. At the completion of Phase II, we will have validate the prototype design through thermal, repetitive pulsed electromagnetic, and recoil testing to meet the demands of the railgun mission.

Benefit:
The results of this project will lead to a flexible coaxial cable with cooled conductors for high power devices, such as electromagnetic railguns. A successful Phase II project will validate the prototype design through thermal, repetitive pulsed electromagnetic, and recoil testing to meet the demands of the railgun mission. Phase II will refine the design and building processes used to make this type of cable for industrial pulsed power systems. The cables developed by this project could increase the production rate of the pulsed power magnetic pressing (MAGNEPRESS) systems we sell. MAGNEPRESS systems are used to produce net shape powder parts, form metal, and to create assemblies.

Keywords:
coaxial, high power, pulsed power, Railgun, cable