Title

Low Cost Vacuum Chamber Design for Electromagnetic Railgun Operation

Author(s) Information

Andrew W. Bothwell, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
David J. Foster, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Aerospace Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Aerospace Engineering

Date

6-2012

Primary Advisor

Kira Abercromby, College of Engineering, Aerospace Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

This report describes the design and fabrication of a low cost vacuum chamber capable of supporting the operation of an electromagnetic railgun. This would be used to simulate the impact of high velocity impacts in space. The vacuum chamber was constructed out of 10in diameter 10ft PVC pipe with a Wye fitting for viewing impacts during testing. The chamber was designed to accommodate a 6.5in X 6.5in X 60in railgun. The vacuum chamber feedthroughs were designed to be able to carry 1-2Mamps at 8kV to the railgun. The vacuum chamber is capable of reaching 50 Torr and remaining under 100 Torr for 11 minutes. The final cost of the chamber was $1325.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/aerosp/85