Parameter settings of the projectile of the coil electromagnetic launcher

Abstract

The launching processes of the coil electromagnetic launcher (EML) were simulated by Ansoft Maxwell. The influences of the material and shape of projectile, and other factors (e.g. the relative position of the projectile and drive coil) on the launching performance were analyzed. The conclusions are that the projectile and the driving coil should be with the same length; using the tubular structure and the outer surface of the projectile fully close to the inner surface of the drive coil make the projectile take full advantage of the magnetic energy gradient of the driving coil; the material of the projectile should be with high permeability and low conductivity, or the structure of the projectile be changed to inhibit the generation of the induced eddy current. The best position of the projectile and the maximum muzzle velocity of the projectile were obtained.