Performance calculations for battery power supplies as laboratory research tools

The design and construction of a battery power supply (BPS) capable of providing several megaamperes of current for several seconds are described. This system consists of six modules (each containing 2288 automotive batteries) which may be connected in two different series-parallel arrangements. The electrical characteristics of the BPS are defined at the component level. The characterization is done theoretically and through the examination of experimental results. A mathematical model of the BPS is developed which contains a variety of potential upgrade options. The BPS model is then coupled to an existing railgun simulation code. This combined model is used to investigate a variety of topics as they relate to electromagnetic launcher laboratory power supplies. Potential railgun performance versus candidate BPS upgrade options are studied