Research on the Stage-by-Stage Orthogonal Optimization of Multistage Reluctance Coilguns

Efficiency is a major constraint on the development of reluctance coilguns. The parameters of the launcher, such as voltage of the power supply, capacitance, number of coil turns, and trigger position, all have varying degrees of influence on its muzzle speed and efficiency. To simplify the optimization process of multistage reluctance coilguns and improve the efficiency of launchers, this article proposes a stage-by-stage orthogonal optimization method for multistage reluctance coilguns. First, simulation and experimental verification based on a seven-stage reluctance coilgun were conducted. It demonstrates the consistency of complete model simulation and stage-by-stage simulation. Then, the first stage of the coilgun selects the capacitance, armature length, number of coil layers, wire diameter, trigger position, and coil length as orthogonal table factors for the optimization calculation. The armature length and capacitance are determined from the first stage, and fixed for the optimization of the remaining stages. In optimizing the subsequent stages, the muzzle speed of the previous stage is used as the entrance speed of the next stage for simulation calculation, and the parameter optimization design of the multistage reluctance coilgun is realized stage by stage. The simulation results show that the efficiency of the first stage of the seven-stage launcher is improved from 3.77% to 6.66%, and the efficiency of complete model is improved from 5.21% to 9.53%. The optimization method can significantly improve the efficiency of reluctance coilgun, which is an effective and feasible optimization method.