Electric multi-module catapult dynamics

Abstract

Electric catapults can be used for automatic information storage in radioactive environment. Dynamics of a transport system with the potential of route flexibility was investigated. This system is made up of stand-alone modules, therefore further expansion is possible. Modules consist of mechanical part (rails for the cart), electrical part (inductor of a linear induction motor (LIM) and electromagnetic brake) and electronic part (thyristor commutator). Cargo cart is mounted on the LIM’s secondary unit that can be catapulted from any station (module) to another. First LIM’s inductor starts the secondary, ejects it out of primary’s range. Inertia of the cart allows it to reach the next station which in turn can either accelerate it or stop it. Position detectors (Hall effect sensors) are used for estimating cart movement. Electromagnetic brakes are used as dynamic braking is not effective in this case. A computer model was designed and various operating modes are simulated (upon non-zero initial conditions).