DESIGN OF AN ELECTROMAGNETIC ACCELERATOR FOR TURBULENT HYDRODYNAMIC MIX STUDIES

An electromagnetic accelerator in the form of a linear electric motor (LEM) has been designed to achieve controlled acceleration profiles of a carriage containing hydrodynamically unstable fluids for the invest igation of the development of turbulent mix, Key features of the desig n include: 1) independent control of acceleration, deceleration and au gmentation currents to provide a variety of acceleration-time profiles , 2) a robust support structure to minimize deflection and dampen vibr ation which could create artifacts in the data interfering with the in tended study and 3) a compliant, nonarcing solid armature allowing opt imum electrical contact. Electromagnetic modeling codes were used to o ptimize the rail and augmentation coil positions within the support st ructure framework. Design of the driving armature and the dynamic elec tromagnetic braking system is based on results of contemporary studies for non-arcing sliding contact of solid armatures. A 0.6MJ electrolyt ic capacitor bank is used for energy storage to drive the LEM. This re port will discuss a LEM and armature design which will accelerate mass es of up to 3kg to a maximum of about 3000g(o) where g(o) is accelerat ion due to gravity.