Connection Pattern Research and Experimental Realization of Single Stage Multipole Field Electromagnetic Launcher

Abstract

Multipole field electromagnetic launcher (MFEL) is a new type of induction launcher that can produce radial magnetic field. This paper proposed different driving coil connection patterns of MFEL and analyzed their performance through experimental and simulation methods. To verify the conceptual feasibility, a small-size single stage capacitor-driven MFEL was built and tested for the first time. Powered by a 100 μF capacitor bank charged to 3000 V, the launcher is able to accelerate a 50.4 g projectile to a velocity of 13.3 m/s. Characteristics of MFEL including inductance gradient, driving current, eddy current distribution, and magnetic field distribution were analyzed as well.