The Specific-Force Performance Parameter for Electromagnetic Launchers

A new electromagnetic-launcher (EML) performance parameter called the specific force is presented and analyzed in this paper. The specific force is the second derivative of the EML's force equation with respect to current and represents the force generated by the EML per unit square ampere, i.e., the EML's current efficiency. The specific force is independent of operating current and is defined for EMLs utilizing linear and nonlinear magnetic materials. The second derivative is termed as the specific force, since it unifies the various EML geometries so that only one force equation is required. The specific force, together with the energy-conversion efficiency, can be used as criterion to evaluate and compare EML geometries for various applications. The specific force for conventional railguns, augmented railguns, conventional helical launchers, and high-efficiency helical launchers is derived in this paper. The experimental performance of conventional railguns, augmented railguns, and conventional helical launchers are also analyzed in terms of their specific-force parameters.