Investigation of discharge in a railgun by means of Rogowski coils

A series of experimental methods and experimental results are presented which have in common the Rogowski induction coil as a primary sensor. Having improved during some years the technique of making measurements in plasmas by means of Rogowski coils, the authors consider the railgun as a device for obtaining a discharge with a quasi-stationary structure. Problems related to the existence of a quasi-stationary structure and associated experimental possibilities are the focus of the investigations described. We would like to draw the attention of our colleagues to the results of the following measurements: one-dimensional spatial structure of the discharge; two-dimensional structure of the discharge; kinematic measurements in the railgun; pressure at the discharge/accelerated body boundary and the mass of discharge plasma; current distribution in rails; -investigation of the leading discharge effect on the railgun processes