Plasma-powered cannon
Encyclopedia
A plasma cannon is an experimental projectile weapon, which accelerates a projectile by means of a plasma discharge between electrodes at the rear of the barrel, generating a rapid increase in pressure. It functions similarly to other type of firearm
, except that it uses a plasma discharge instead of a chemical propellant (e.g. black powder or nitrocellulose
).
bank are used. Both are attached in series to the electrode system in the cannon's barrel. The capacitor is loaded with as high a voltage as possible. However, a militarily useful energy is achieved with as little as several kilojoules. The capacitor is then discharged. The gap between the electrodes ionizes, turning the non-flammable propellant medium into a superheated conductive plasma
. Associated volumetric expansion propels the projectile from the barrel at high velocity.
A clear disadvantage of the plasma cannon is its weight. Even a small plasma cannon with only the firepower of an air gun
weighs about 20 kg (without current supply). A foot soldier thus could not carry a plasma cannon powerful enough to be useful. It would have to be mounted in a stationary position or on a vehicle.
Firearm
A firearm is a weapon that launches one, or many, projectile at high velocity through confined burning of a propellant. This subsonic burning process is technically known as deflagration, as opposed to supersonic combustion known as a detonation. In older firearms, the propellant was typically...
, except that it uses a plasma discharge instead of a chemical propellant (e.g. black powder or nitrocellulose
Nitrocellulose
Nitrocellulose is a highly flammable compound formed by nitrating cellulose through exposure to nitric acid or another powerful nitrating agent. When used as a propellant or low-order explosive, it is also known as guncotton...
).
Design
To generate the energy required to make a plasma discharge, a high current, high voltage source and a large capacitorCapacitor
A capacitor is a passive two-terminal electrical component used to store energy in an electric field. The forms of practical capacitors vary widely, but all contain at least two electrical conductors separated by a dielectric ; for example, one common construction consists of metal foils separated...
bank are used. Both are attached in series to the electrode system in the cannon's barrel. The capacitor is loaded with as high a voltage as possible. However, a militarily useful energy is achieved with as little as several kilojoules. The capacitor is then discharged. The gap between the electrodes ionizes, turning the non-flammable propellant medium into a superheated conductive plasma
Plasma (physics)
In physics and chemistry, plasma is a state of matter similar to gas in which a certain portion of the particles are ionized. Heating a gas may ionize its molecules or atoms , thus turning it into a plasma, which contains charged particles: positive ions and negative electrons or ions...
. Associated volumetric expansion propels the projectile from the barrel at high velocity.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantage of a plasma cannon is that it uses electricity as energy source. The more energy is supplied the faster the gases expand and the faster the projectile is accelerated. This makes it possible to "dial in" any velocity desired and also allows the projectile to reach speeds at which it would "outrun" the burn rate of a conventional propellant.A clear disadvantage of the plasma cannon is its weight. Even a small plasma cannon with only the firepower of an air gun
Air gun
An air gun is a rifle , pistol , or shotgun that fires projectiles by means of compressed air or other gas, in contrast to a firearm, which burns a propellant. Most air guns use metallic projectiles as ammunition. Air guns that only use plastic projectiles are classified as airsoft...
weighs about 20 kg (without current supply). A foot soldier thus could not carry a plasma cannon powerful enough to be useful. It would have to be mounted in a stationary position or on a vehicle.