Analysis of components in advanced capacitive pulse forming networks for electric guns

The development of high density, volume efficient capacitive pulse forming networks (PFNs), designed to maximize electrical energy transferred to the gun, is critical for the future weaponization of both electro/thermo-chemical and electromagnetic launchers. This work presents some design considerations for a fieldable PFN/launcher system. Three high efficiency designs (between 40% and 60%) incorporating series and parallel augmented launchers are described. The energy storage requirements and efficiencies for these systems are given. The PFN masses and volumes of these systems are calculated using state of the art component technology. Extrapolated values for component technologies frozen in the years 1997 and 2007 are used to determine the anticipated PFN mass and volume for each of the three systems. These values fall short of the design goals of the Electromagnetic Focused Technology Demonstrator (EMFTD) program without an aggressive technology development program for capacitors.< >