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Ian McNab

Research Professor
Physics

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Overview

Dr. Ian R. McNab is a Research Professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He received his B.Sc. (Hons, Physics) from the University of Leeds (UK) in 1960 and his Ph.D. from the University of Reading (UK) in 1974. He studied magnetoplasmadynamics, direct energy conversion and current transfer in the UK under ARPA and MoD projects before moving to Westinghouse , USA where he worked on high speed generators and railguns for the US Navy and DARPA in Pittsburgh, PA and Sunnyvale, CA. Following a position as Vice President of a group at Maxwell Laboratories in San Diego, he led the railgun group at the Institute for Advanced Technology at the University of Texas in Austin from 1995-2013, ending as the Acting Director.
He has authored over 150 scientific papers on pulsed power, electric guns, rotating machines, current collection, and plasma- and magneto-fluid dynamics. He has been a member of the Steering Committee of the International EM Launcher Symposia since 1982 and serves as an Editor for the Navy Hypervelocity Gun and Weapons Systems Workshops. He was a member of the IEEE Plasma Sciences and Nuclear Committee for nine years and is a Life Fellow of the IEEE. He was the recipient of the Peter Mark Medal from the EML Symposium in 1990, the Lavrentyev Medal from the Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2003, and the IEEE Erwin Marx Medal in 2013.
NPS Experience
  • 2018 - current: Research Professor
Research Interests
Electrical pulsed power systems and components; railgun technology and history
Teaching Interests
Electrical pulsed power systems and components; railgun technology and history.

Boards, Memberships, & Certifications

Professional Memberships
  • 1999 Life Fellow, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

Scholarly Work

Publications
  • Book Reviews
  • McNab, I, (1969). Open Cycle MHD Power Generation (Review of book by J.B. Heywood and G.J. Womack) UK:
  • McNab, I, (1964). “Elements of Plasma Physics,” (Review of book by S. Gartenhaus) UK: (UK) Institution of Electrical Engineers.
  • Conference Proceedings
  • McNab, I, (2017). PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE EM LAUNCH OF NANO-SATELLITES.
  • McNab, I, (2014). Pulsed Power Options for Large EM Launchers.
  • Guillot, M. J., & McNab, I, (2009). AEROTHERMAL ANALYSIS OF SMALL PAYLOADS DELIVERED INTO LOW EARTH ORBIT FROM AN AIRBORNE LAUNCH PLATFORM.
  • McNab, I., Heyne, C. J., & Cilli, M. V, (2007). Megampere pulsed alternators for large em launchers.
  • McNab, I, (1986). Nuclear-MPD-gas turbine power plant.
  • McNab, I, (1975). A Laser Flammable Gas Detector.
  • McNab, I, (1975). UK Research Program on MHD Electrical Power Generation.
  • McNab, I, (1974). Ionization, recombination and voltage drop measurements in a closed cycle MPD generator,
  • McNab, I, (1974). A Laser Methane Detector.
  • McNab, I, (1974). The UK Research program related to MHD Power Generation.
  • McNab, I, (1973). UK Research Program related to MHD Electrical Power Generation.
  • McNab, I, (1972). Life tests with carbon fiber brushes,
  • McNab, I, (1972). Current Collection.
  • McNab, I, (1968). Closed cycle MHD with Gaseous Working Fluids: Power Plant Concepts and Economics.
  • McNab, I, (1968). Closed cycle MPD experiments with applied electric and magnetic fields,
  • McNab, I, (1966). Relaxation phenomena in MPD generators.
  • McNab, I, (1966). The CNEN helium-cesium blowdown facility and experiments with a prototype duct.
  • McNab, I, (1966). Further development and experiments with the IRD closed cycle MPD loop.
  • McNab, I, (1965). Electrical conductivity measurements in a MPD generator.
  • McNab, I, (1964). A non-equilibrium electron mode for kilowatt-range MPD space power.
  • McNab, I, (1964). MPD Experiments with a helium-cesium loop.
  • McNab, I, (1964). Optimization of large scale nuclear MPD systems.
  • McNab, I, (1963). Electron-ion temperature in the rapid expansion of a plasma flow.
  • McNab, I, (1963). Electron-ion recombination in MPD generators.
  • McNab, I, (1963). Density-time profiles for an electric propulsion unit efflux.
  • McNab, I, (1962). Microwave diagnostics for helium cesium plasmas.
  • Journal Articles
  • McNab, I, (2020). A Lunar Astronaut Launcher. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, 11(48), 4014-4020.
  • McNab, I, (2019). Brief History of the EML Symposia: 1980-2018. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, 5(47), 2136-2142.
  • McNab, I, (2018). Electromagnetic Space Launch Considerations. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, 10(46), 3628-3633.
  • McNab, I, (2015). Pulsed Power Options for Large EM Launchers. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, 5(43), 1352-1357.
  • McNab, I, (2014). Large-Scale Pulsed Power Opportunities and Challenges. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, 5(42), 1118-1127.
  • McNab, I, (2013). Electromagnetic Augmentation Can Reduce Space Launch Costs. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, 5(41), 1047-1054.
  • McNab, I, (2013). Electromagnetic Augmentation Can Reduce Space Launch Costs. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, 5(45), 1047-1054.
  • Guillot, M. J., & McNab, I, (2013). Analysis of Miniature Payloads Launched from an Airborne Gun Launch Platform. JOURNAL OF SPACECRAFT AND ROCKETS, 1(50), 179-190.
  • Dierks, E., McNab, I., Mallick, John A., Sr., & Fish, S, (2011). Battery-Inductor Parametric System Analysis for Electromagnetic Guns. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, 1(39), 268-274.
  • Wetz, David A., Jr., Stefani, F., & McNab, I, (2011). Experimental Results on a 7-m-Long Plasma-Driven Electromagnetic Launcher. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, 1(39), 180-185.
  • McNab, I., Crawford, M. T., Satapathy, S. S., Stefani, F., & Watt, T. J, (2011). IAT Armature Development. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE, 1(39), 442-451.
  • Wetz, D. A., Stefani, F., Parker, J. V., & McNab, I, (2009). Advancements in the Development of a Plasma-Driven Electromagnetic Launcher. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MAGNETICS, 1(45), 495-500.
  • McNab, I, (2009). Progress on Hypervelocity Railgun Research for Launch to Space. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MAGNETICS, 1(45), 381-388.
  • McNab, I, (2009). Advances in the Development of a Plasma-Driven EM Launcher. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(45), 495-500.
  • McNab, I, (2007). Electromagnetic launch to space. JBIS-JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH INTERPLANETARY SOCIETY, 2(60), 54-62.
  • McNab, I, (2007). Projectile Nosetip Thermal Management for Railgun Launch to Space. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(43), 491-495.
  • McNab, I, (2007). Naval Railguns. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(43), 463-468.
  • McNab, I, (2007). A Research Program to Study Airborne Launch to Space. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(43), 486-490.
  • McNab, I, (2007). A Plasma Railgun Experiment addressing Launch to Space Issues. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(43), 194-197.
  • McNab, I, (2005). Design of an 8-MJ Integrated Launch Package. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(41), 426-431.
  • McNab, I, (2005). Development of a Naval Railgun. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(41), 206-210.
  • McNab, I, (2003). A Long Range Naval Railgun. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(39), 289-294.
  • McNab, I, (2003). Magnetic Blow-Off in Armature Transition. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(39), 42-46.
  • McNab, I, (2001). Thermal Control of Railgun Armatures. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(37), 92-96.
  • McNab, I, (2001). Parameters for an Electromagnetic Naval Railgun. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(37), 223-228.
  • McNab, I, (2001). Developments in Pulsed Power Technology. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(37), 375-378.
  • McNab, I, (1997). Homopolar Generators for Electric Guns. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(33), 461-467.
  • McNab, I, (1995). The Royal Ordnance 2.4-MJ multi-module capacitor bank. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(31), 15-21.
  • McNab, I, (1995). DRA 500kJ multi-module capacitor bank. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(31`), 10-15.
  • McNab, I, (1995). Experiments with the Green Farm Electric Gun Facility. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(31), 338-343.
  • McNab, I., Coradeschi, Columbo, Davis, Puterbaugh, Bernhardt, Dobbie, Gaywood, & Harri, (1993). 52-MJ electric gun test facility. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(29), 923-928.
  • McNab, I., Dethlefsen, Dobbie, Bernhardt, Coradeschi, & Rinald, (1993). Pulse power applications of silicon diodes in EML capacitative pulsers. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(29), 934-938.
  • McNab, I, (1993). Mid-push plasma armatures for long-rod EM gun projectiles. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(29), 792-797.
  • McNab, I, (1993). Limiting physics effects in hypervelocity railguns. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(29), 484-489.
  • McNab, I, (1991). Thunderbolt. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 1(27), 130-135.
  • McNab, I., & McKe, (1986). A 10-MJ compact homopolar generato. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 6(22), 1619-1622.
  • McNab, I., Baker, & McKe, (1986). Design of a 40-MW homopolar generator. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 6(22), 1386-1388.
  • McNab, I., & Dei, (1982). A Laboratory Demonstration EM Launcher. IEEE Transactions on magnetics, 1(18), 16-22.
  • McNab, I., Schreurs, & Johnso, (1981). Characterization of thick films formed on slip rings during high current density operation. EEE Transactions on Components, Hybrids and Manufacturing Technology, (CHMT-4), 30-35.
  • McNab, I., & Gas, (1980). High current density carbon fiber brush experiments in humidified air and helium. IEEE Transactions on Components, Hybrids and Manufacturing Technology, (CHMT-3), 26-30.
  • McNab, I., Scheurs, & Johnso, (1980). High current brushes IV - Evaluation of slipring surface films. IEEE Transactions on Components, Hybrids and Manufacturing Technology, (CHMT-3), 83-88.
  • McNab, I., & Johnso, (1979). High current brushes III - Performance evaluation for sintered silver graphite grades. IEEE Transactions on Components, Hybrids and Manufacturing Technology, (CHMT-2), 84-89.
  • McNab, I, (1978). Pulsed High Power Brush Research. IEEE Transactions on Components, Hybrids, and Manufacturing Technology, 1(1), 30-35.
  • McNab, I, (1978). Pulsed high power brush research. IEEE Transactions on Components, Hybrids and Manufacturing Technology, (CHMT-1), 30-35.
  • McNab, I, (1975). Recent developments in current collection, Review of Physics in Technology, 3(6), 117-126.
  • McNab, I, (1974). Magnetohydrodynamic Power Dynamics. Physics in Technology, 4(5), 278-300.
  • McNab, I, (1972). Carbon fiber brushes for superconducting machines. IEE Journal of Electronic and Power (UK), 8-10.
  • McNab, I, (1968). Observations of large non-equilibrium conductivity in a closed-cycle MPD channel with applied electric and Magnetic fields, AIAA Journal, 9(6), 1679-1684.
  • McNab, I., & Haine, (1968). Observations of Large Nonequilibrium Conductivity in a Closed Cycle MPD Channel with Applied Electric and Magnetic Fields. Proceedings of the IEEE, 9(56), 1476-1482.
  • McNab, I, (1968). MPD electrical power generation. Cambridge University Engineering, Soc. Journal, (38), 117-127.
  • McNab, I, (1967). The prospects for closed cycle MPD power generation. Proceedings of the Royal Society, (A261), 368-393.
  • McNab, I, (1964). Extra-thermal electrical conductivity measurements in a MPD generator. Nature, 4955(204), 275-276.
  • McNab, I, (1964). Viscosity of partially ionized gaseous cesium. Journal of Applied Physics, 6(35), 1742-1745.
  • Magazines/Trade Publications
  • McNab, I, (1974). Lasers and their Applications.
  • McNab, I, (1973). Plasma Physics Meeting Report,
  • McNab, I, (1968). MHD- practice meets theory.
  • McNab, I, (1967). MHD in a nuclear gas turbine cycle.
  • McNab, I, (1967). Progress in MPD Power Generation.
  • McNab, I, (1965). MHD research in the United States,
  • Manuscripts
  • McNab, I, (1974). Electron temperature elevation in an MPD generator.
Patents/Copyrights
  • Patents
  • McNab, I. "Electromagnetic projectile launching system with a concentric rail geometry" US Patent 4,480,523
  • McNab, I. "Electromagnetic projectile launcher with combination plasma/conductor armature" US patent 4,467,696
  • McNab, I. "Electromagnetic projectile launcher with an augmented breech" US Patent 4,433,608
  • McNab, I. "Electromagnetic projectile launcher with an automatic plasma formation device" US Patent 4,429,613
  • McNab, I. "Electromagnetic Pump" US Patent 4,376,615
  • McNab, I. "Environment and brushes for high-current rotating electrical machinery" US Patent 4,277,708.Also patented in Switzerland # 653491; Germany # 3006330; Britain # 2052880; Italy # 1154173; Japan # 1459591C; Japan # 56006390; and Japan # 63008593B.
  • McNab, I. "Current transfer brushes" US patent 3,821,024. Also patented in Australia # 476,668; Canada # 983,561; France # 2174191; Italy # 979,591; Switzerland # 551,088; Germany # 2309660; and Japan # 48099602.
  • McNab, I. "Current transfer in homopolar machines" US Patent 3,796,900
  • McNab, I. "Duplex carbon fiber brush" British Patent 1,388,123. Australia # 476,668; Canada #983,561; France # 73 07188; Italy # 979,591; Sweden # 73.02733.6; Switzerland # 551,088.
  • McNab, I. "Improvements in and relating to current transfer devices in homopolar electrical machines" British Patent 1,332,786
  • McNab, I. "Current transfer in homopolar machines" British Patent 1,328,189
  • McNab, I. "Current transfer in homopolar machines" British Patent 1,326,731
  • McNab, I. "Current transfer brush" British Patent 1,325,434, August 1, 1973.
  • McNab, I. "Current transfer in homopolar machines" US Patent 3,681,633, Also patented in Britain # 1,326,731 and Japan # 51013202B.
  • McNab, I. "Electrical brush structure" US Patent 3,668,451
  • McNab, I. R. "Solid brush system with direction of current flow the same for all brushes" US Patent 3,648,088.
  • McNab, I. "Current transfer devices for electrical machines" US Patent 3,648,088. Also patented in the U.K. as British Patent 1,337,591