Characterization of EM Emission During the Operation of Solid and Plasma Armature Rail Launchers

We present the results of an experimental analysis aimed at investigating the electromagnetic (EM) emission during rail launcher operation. In order to obtain such data, an experimental setup was assembled in a shielded semi-anechoic chamber, consisting of a pulsed power source-unit, a power coaxial cable and a rail launcher prototype. Several experiments were performed for different operating conditions and results were repeatable. Finally, we provide a qualitative modeling of some sources of electromagnetic transients and we discuss basic aspects driving the EM emission phenomena in railgun systems.