Low voltage electromagnetic pulse actuator

A high energy electromagnetic pulse actuation system, comprising:

• first and second actuator means positioned in an opposing relationship for operation on opposite sides of the same workpiece, each actuator means including (a) a driver having a first portion which is receptive to the establishment of eddy currents therein and a second portion adapted to receive a tool or the like for metal forming or other high force impact work on the workpiece, an (b) a coil positionable in close proximity to said first portion of said driver;
• a source of stored charge defining a selected, relatively low voltage associated with each actuator means, adapted to produce a current pulse through the coil when connected thereto;
• control means associated with each actuator means for selectively connecting its associated stored charge to the coil to produce a relatively large, short duration current pulse in the coil which in turn results in the creation of a high energy, rapidly changing magnetic field and the subsequent induction of eddy currents in the first portion of the driver in each actuator, wherein the first portion of each driver is configured so as to reduce the axial diffusion of the rapidly hanging magnetic field to such an extent that the current pulse in the coil which is produced by the relatively low voltage still results in a magnetic force pulse large enough to repel the driver away from the coil toward the workpiece with sufficient momentum to accomplish the desired impact work.