Investigation of Electromagnetic Characteristic in Series-Connected Augmented Quadrupole Rail Launcher

The weight of projectiles and magnetic shield are two important factors influencing an electromagnetic launch (EML). The quadrupole rail launcher forms a cylindrical area in the middle of a launcher with very small magnetic field intensity, which can shield electromagnetic radiation and protect precision electronic components inside a projectile. However, the offset magnetic field weakens the electromagnetic thrust and decreases the launch efficiency. To solve the mentioned problem, the structure of a series-connected augmented quadrupole rail launcher is presented, the electromagnetic model based on the numerical analysis and the finite element method for nonaugmented and augmented quadrupole rail launcher is built. In addition, the distribution characteristic of current density, magnetic field intensity, and electromagnetic force of the two launchers is analyzed, respectively. The simulation results show that the current density distribution of rail in the nonaugmented launcher is O-like shape and the augmented launcher is C-like shape. Under given conditions, the electromagnetic thrust of the augmented launcher is larger about 3.7 times than that of the nonaugmented launcher. Meanwhile, a large magnetic shielding area can be kept in the augmented launcher.