Eddy Current Braking System for Supersonic Rocket Sled

In response to the Navy SBIR Topic N201-023 entitled Alternate Sled Track Braking Mechanism, Triton Systems, Inc. proposes to design, simulate, and prove the feasibility of a passive braking system.  The current Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track (SNORT) braking system includes a diesel-powered pump, a 600,000-gallon storage pond, and manually inserted baffles & dams.  The existing system is difficult to adjust, requires operational permits, and results in excessive reoccurring costs.  By introducing a passive, low-maintenance, and weather-tolerant braking system, SNORT can expect significantly lower costs, greater sled design flexibility, and a high-level of control over the braking profile.  Triton will develop a software model to simulate the physical performance of this linear braking system.  The effect of various design parameters (sled speed, heat generation, and magnet pitch) on braking force will be characterized via simulation.  A full-scale prototype will be designed using simulation results and insights from existing research.  In Phase II, the prototype will be fabricated, tested, and compared with the predictive model.