Papers by Thor Barrera
Exploration and verification analysis of a Linear Reluctance Accelerator
2014 17th International Symposium on Electromagnetic Launch Technology, 2014
Little research is done in the field of Linear Reluctance Accelerators (coilguns) owing to their ... more Little research is done in the field of Linear Reluctance Accelerators (coilguns) owing to their notorious inefficiency, difficulties in modeling their behavior, as well as little interest in them in lieu of seemingly better alternatives such as railguns, which has stifled much of the advancement in the field. Here, a study and re-examination of Dr. William Slades's 2005 paper “A Simple Unified Physical Model for a Reluctance Accelerator” was performed to validate and continue further research suggestions mentioned within the paper. In our experimentation, the Slade accelerator was rebuilt using high saturation armatures, thin walled barrels, and a more powerful capacitor bank. We carried out our experiment using armatures of vanadium permendur, electrical iron, and 12L14 steel. Tektronix oscilloscope interface software was implemented to measure coil voltage, current, and armature exit velocities, and our results were compared to Slade's results and his modeling equations. Results compiled establish a reasonable set of guidelines for designing these devices to achieve maximum efficiency.
The Dynamic Theory of Reluctance Accelerators" "Experiment and Design of a Reluctance Accelerator
Electromagnetic launchers, or mass accelerators have been studied and used in various engineering... more Electromagnetic launchers, or mass accelerators have been studied and used in various engineering applications since the early 1900’s. However, despite this there has not been much attempt to develop, collect, or present a full theory of these systems in a linear fashion. Thus, much of the information is scattered throughout the literature repositories. In 2005 Dr. William Slade published a landmark paper in the IEEE Transactions on Magnetics presenting what would become the Slade model of reluctance acceleration. Here we present a discussion of theories of reluctance launchers. We examine the ideal theory and the simple Slade theory. A brief history as well as ideas critical to these theories are presented and discussed. Simulations show how changing various parameters of the system affect performance and critical values such as: coil current waveform, acceleration, and muzzle velocity. Experimental design of electromagnetic launchers in the past has always been plagued by low amou...
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, 2011
Submitted for the CAL11 Meeting of The American Physical Society Optimization of a Small Scale Li... more Submitted for the CAL11 Meeting of The American Physical Society Optimization of a Small Scale Linear Reluctance Accelerator THOR BARRERA1, ROBBY BEARD2, Sacramento State University — Reluctance accelerators are extremely promising future methods of transportation. Several problems still plague these devices, most prominently low efficiency. Variables to overcoming efficiency problems are many and difficult to correlate how they affect our accelerator. The study examined several differing variables that present potential challenges in optimizing the efficiency of reluctance accelerators. These include coil and projectile design, power supplies, switching, and the elusive gradient inductance problem. Extensive research in these areas has been performed from computational and theoretical to experimental. Findings show that these parameters share significant similarity to transformer design elements, thus general findings show current optimized parameters the research suggests as a bas...
Optimization of a small scale reluctance linear solenoid accelerator
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, 2011
Optimization of a Small Scale Linear Reluctance Accelerator
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Nov 11, 2011
Optimization of a small scale reluctance linear solenoid accelerator
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Apr 30, 2011
Modern Cybernetic Warfare: Cyber, Social Media, and Communications Systems Disruption
We analyze the challenges, efficiency, and strategies of the modern cybernetic combat arena and p... more We analyze the challenges, efficiency, and strategies of the modern cybernetic combat arena and provide insight into these realms as well as a predictive postulation as to the future of such arenas.
Little research is done in field of Linear Reluctance Accelerators (coilguns) owing to their noto... more Little research is done in field of Linear Reluctance Accelerators (coilguns) owing to their notorious inefficiency, difficulties in modeling their behavior, as well as little interest in them in lieu of seemingly better alternatives such as railguns, has stifled much of the advancement of the field. Here, a study and re-examination of Dr. William Slades’s 2005 paper “A Simple Unified Physical Model for a Reluctance Accelerator” was performed to continue further research suggestions mentioned within the paper. In our experimentation, the Slade accelerator was rebuilt using high saturation armatures, thin walled barrels, and a more powerful capacitor bank. We carried out our experiment using armatures of vanadium permendur, electrical iron, and 12L14 steel. Tektronix oscilloscope interface software was implemented to measure coil voltage, current, and armature exit velocities, and compared our results to Slade’s results and modeling equations. Results compiled establish a reasonable set of guidelines for designing these devices to achieve maximum efficiency.
The Effects and Perspectives of Science on the History of Asian Civilizations
In the course of attempting to further my research's understanding of the dynamic that is the uni... more In the course of attempting to further my research's understanding of the dynamic that is the unique structural properties of ceramics: specifically, natural porcelains. There arose a very diverse and distinct evolution of the use and role of science in and across Asian Civilizations. In 1793 George Macartney, 1st Earl Macartney sailed a delegation to Beijing in attempts to lure the Chinese into trade agreements with the British throne. But what is most intriguing is how large a role the effect of Science played in the development competing world views of each nation. For the British, science had meant revolution and modernization, bordering the front of the industrial revolution. For China, it was merely an issue of aesthetics and religious necessity. These views in turn could only lead to one outcome. A divided world as to the meanings and values of science, technology, and information.
A distinct correlation between reading and writing levels; And performance in mathematics and science course work.
Each division of Academia decides how best to safe guard and sanctify its work. In the world of t... more Each division of Academia decides how best to safe guard and sanctify its work. In the world of the written publication this leads to a vast array of not only writing styles, but writing style guides. In the consideration of this issue it is best noted that students in the general educational curriculum receiving English language reading and writing coursework; Are being taught paradigm by a singular secular branch of academia, lacking recognition of literary analysis of other branches of academic work. In this sense many students are cut short of the critical reading skills necessary to master reading difficult and strenuous mathematical, or otherwise scientific (on some level) texts. In addition, it can be shown by direct correlation (in a brief study) that students who are performing well in the areas of Math and Physics, tend to have exceptional if not above average standing in their English language arts course work.
Optimization of a small scale reluctance linear solenoid accelerator
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Jan 1, 2011
Talks by Thor Barrera
The Chaotic Nature of Social Order
The Thermodynamic Theory of the Cybernetic Society
Linear Reluctance Solenoid Acceleration Technology at CSU Sacramento
A brief discussion and introduction to the basic principles of Reluctance acceleration technologi... more A brief discussion and introduction to the basic principles of Reluctance acceleration technologies. Their efficiencies and problems in design. Specific attention given to parameters of theoretical importance and a development of the underlying general theory of accelerator physics. Demonstrations given at the time of lecture.
Optimization of a Linear Reluctance Solenoid Accelerator
- To be uploaded soon -
Effects and Perspectives of the Chemistry of Porcelain on the history of China
A look at the correlation between soil-water absorption and physical properties of porcelain ware... more A look at the correlation between soil-water absorption and physical properties of porcelain wares from China. Discussion integrates the role such properties played in Chinese science and politics from a historical perspective.
Ferromagnetic Fluids: A brief overview
A brief discussion on the properties of ferromagnetic fluids. We discuss basic research done with... more A brief discussion on the properties of ferromagnetic fluids. We discuss basic research done with attempting to look at ferromagnetic fluid pumps/motors. Work in the area suggests ferromagnetic fluid physics a field of untapped potential, with many modern applications; both theoretical and actualized.
Poster Presentations by Thor Barrera
Books by Thor Barrera
Introduction to Electromagnetic Launchers
Academic textbook on electromagnetic launcher theory; classes of devices; design; and application... more Academic textbook on electromagnetic launcher theory; classes of devices; design; and applications.
Current Status: Writing In Progress
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Papers by Thor Barrera
Talks by Thor Barrera
Poster Presentations by Thor Barrera
Books by Thor Barrera
Current Status: Writing In Progress