Progress in materials for EML: review and preview

Materials developments in electromagnetic launcher technology are reviewed based on "open-literature" publications. One database analysis shows that materials topics are covered in 71 of 650 railgun papers published in the last decade. Several themes are evident in the electromagnetic launch (EML) literature, and those related to EM launcher technology are emphasized. In the new materials section, a preview is given of auxetic polymers and engineered carbon nanotubes. The first steps in the application of expert systems for screening and selecting high performance materials to be used in the design of these new flexible electrical machines are outlined. Increased knowledge in the materials and other intersecting technology areas may be rapidly incorporated, integrated and evaluated in a "virtual EM launcher platform". This proposed platform represents the interplay of multiple expert systems still being developed.