Influence of feeding position and rail material on electromagnetic launch performance

The electromagnetic launch device utilizes a high-power pulse source to convert electromagnetic energy into mechanical energy, making it an efficient and environmentally friendly new technology. The initial feeding position and rail material are significant factors influencing launch performance. To investigate the variations in the electromagnetic-thermal-mechanical performance of the armature-rail under different working conditions, an electromagnetic launch experimental platform and measurement system were established. Experiments were conducted with feeding positions ranging from 60 mm to 120 mm and copper and steel rails, supplemented by multi-physics field coupled finite element calculations of tungsten copper and copper chromium zirconium alloy rails. The results indicate that as the feeding position increases, the rail current, armature speed, and temperature initially rise and then decrease, with the highest values occurring at 100 mm. The current of steel rail is lower than that of the copper rail, and a sudden change is observed when the armature exits the barrel. The four materials of copper, copper-chromium zirconium, tungsten copper, and steel rails showed a trend of armature speed and temperature from high to low. Additionally, after launching with copper rail, the armature surface experiences thermal ablation, whereas with steel rail, mechanical friction occurs. These findings provide theoretical insights to enhance the efficiency and stability of the electromagnetic launch system.