Investigation of armature-rail interaction in linear electromagnetic launcher

Abstract

The behavior of the electromagnetic (EM) launcher depends on the structure of the construction. The dynamics of the EM construction and the local effects of the EM forces are topical issue in exploring and designing EM launcher device. This paper is aimed to refine mechanical behavior of the open barrel design EM launcher structure due to EM force evaluated by EM analysis based on three different shapes of armatures. The 3D finite element EM model was generated and the J×B force density distribution in the rail volume was calculated. The results of EM model calculations were applied further as input for structural mechanics model. The results of the finite element EM and mechanical analysis of the armatures influence are presented.