Electromagnetic induction method and apparatus therefor for collapsing and propelling a deformable workpiece

摘要

An improved electromagnetic induction method and apparatus therefor for simultaneously collapsing and propelling a deformable annular-shaped workpiece of relatively lightweight construction in a direction outwardly of the apparatus and along its axis wherein the apparatus is made up of seven different embodiments for carrying out the method. Each apparatus is generally comprised of a framework. The framework includes at least one pulse coil means; and a power supply circuit is connected to the pulse coil means. Annular-shaped surface portions of various embodiments of the apparatus define part of an aperture or passageway for receiving a workpiece and function to position the workpiece in mutual inductance relation to the coil means. The pulse coil means, when energized after positioning of a workpiece in an apparatus, causes the formation of a series of magnetic forces acting on the workpiece that causes progressive collapsing of the workpiece in a direction towards the axis of the apparatus so as to form a slug of solid-like construction and approximately cylindrical or spherical shape. At the same time, the positioned workpiece is accelerated and propelled at a relatively high velocity in a direction outwardly of the coil means and along the apparatus axis. The magnitude of the apex angle, as defined between surface or mandrel portions of an apparatus and the apparatus axis can be varied within limits and is relevant to the magnitudes of the magnetic force components that are generated by a coil means for collapsing, accelerating and propelling a workpiece.