Center Innovation Fund: AFRC CIF
Coreless Linear Induction Motor (LIM) for Space-borne Electro-magnetic Mass Driver Applications Element
Project Description
Large scale linear induction motors use ferromagnetic cores, but at high speed these cores choke the system's ability to transform electrical energy into mechanical energy. Use of composite materials can be used to replace structural support previously provided by ferromagnetic materials. However, coreless motors lack the structural support usually provided by the iron core in a traditional LIM. Designing a rigid coreless LIM will require material studies and detailed thermal/structural analysis.
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Anticipated Benefits
A coreless LIM can enable an alternative solution to asteroid re-direct missions. The application of this technology offers distinct system life cycle cost advantages. A coreless LIM will enable high speed electromagnetic space-faring mass driver propulsion, which introduces a disruptive technology into conventional space mission system design, mission performance, and the advancement of space technology. A coreless LIM offers the potential of creating a self-sustaining, low life-cycle cost interplanetary space transportation and resource supply infrastructure that can be more efficient than space-faring all chemical propulsion which have high maintenance purification and refining processes. Although chemical propulsion systems can out-perform many other space propulsion system in the near-term, the mass driver system provides a low maintenance supply chain backbone.
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Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Armstrong Flight Research Center
(AFRC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Edwards, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
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