Accelerating conductors by electromagnetic action through metallic shields

This paper describes a novel technique for producing an electromagnetic force to accelerate a conducting projectile situated on the remote side of a metallic shield, for use in novel electromagnetic fasteners. The theoretical background for the technique is explained and is supported by measurements of the velocity achieved by the projectile in a prototype unit. The effect of the initial separation between the drive coil and the projectile is investigated, and it is shown that the shield material has little influence on the projectile dynamics.