Preliminary study of a propellant-driven, pulsed MHD generator-powered, small caliber EML

Battelle´s Columbus Division recently completed a Small Caliber Electromagnetic Launcher (EML) Engineering Feasibility Study Program under funding from the U.S. Army Armament Research and Development Center´s Joint Services Small Arms Program. Included in the study program was a preliminary feasibility and conceptual design study of a novel, hybrid EML with a pulsed, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator power supply. This concept was evolved by Battelle under an earlier Joint Services Small Arms Program Office effort. The system to be designed was a 0.30 caliber, tactical, portable EML capable of accelerating a 2.5 g projectile to near 1500 m/s, using a 1 m railgun and a solid armature. A first-order performance model for the integrated EML and generator was developed and implemented on a personal computer. Trade studies were conducted on numerous parameters of interest, and required propellant and other characteristics were specified. Results of the model development and trade studies are presented herein, and they indicate that significant technology advances are required to weaponize this EML concept.