| 摘要 |
<p>A plasma generator (44) for an electrothermal gun cartridge has elongated metallic rod and tube members (58, 60) extending along a central axis thereof with one of the members having at least one axial gap (62) and with an elongated annular insulator located between and in engagement with both metallic members to provide support therebetween as an electrical voltage generates an electrical arc at the axial gap to provide a plasma that ignites a propellant (46). Different embodiments of the plasma generator have a plurality of the axial gaps (62) located along either the rod member (58) or the tube member (60) and are constructed for both simultaneous and sequential firing with fuses (74) controlling the timing. Helically extending member portions (78, 90) provide rotation of the electrical arc and hence the plasma generated to distribute it for ignition of the propellant (46).</p> |
