Design and Analysis of Hybrid Armature for Electromagnetic Launch Technology

Velocity skin effect (VSE) and subsequent current melt wave (CMW) is one of the most prominent causes of transition in an electromagnetic launch (EML) technology. Extensive research on the phenomenon led to the development of a monolithic C armature design that provides optimum contact pressure and a contact region at the armature–rail (A/R) interface. However, in the working velocity regime of an EML, frictional heating at the contact interface dominates wear, heat generation, and contact transition. Because of a long current path, the C armature generates contact forces of the same magnitude as the thrust force. A hybrid armature design is proposed based on previous recommendations that provide mechanical load carrying capacity, compliance, and a monolithic design akin to a C armature while providing a short current path to reduce frictional loss. The resulting hybrid armature has 33% less parasitic mass that delivers 22% higher kinetic energy to the payload.