Electromagnetic rail launcher force analysis

A force prediction method, along with a dynamic simulation procedure, is presented for a specific launcher configuration. An equivalent circuit is developed to simulate railgun performance, and the electrical equations are given. The model used for mechanical performance is also presented. The simulation has been implemented in a Fortran computer code that has been debugged and verified on many examples. The force calculation algorithm used is known to produce accurate results. Force prediction algorithm modifications to account for effective length changes on the rails have been verified. This force prediction technique is currently being used to analyze multiple systems operating at high current levels.<
>