Analyzing the current distribution, magnetic field and inductance gradient at the circular rail in comparison to rectangular rail

Abstract

Two different geometries of rail in electromagnetic launcher are rectangular and circular. In this paper, rectangular and circular rails have been simulated and been compared together with the FEM. Dimensions of circular railgun are θ=π, d= 1.2 cm, R i = 0.948 cm, R o = 2.57 cm and dimensions of rectangular are s=h=w= 3 cm for the calibration equal 9cm2 and surface of rails cross section equal 18 cm2. Current distribution and magnetic field intensity are computed for two aforementioned state and these results compared together. In next case study, the size of calibration and surface of rails cross section are 9 cm2 and 6 cm2, respectively. For this case study, current distribution and magnetic field intensity are computed for two aforementioned state and these results compared together. Then at the both aforementioned states, inductance gradient is found out with the assumption of equal surface rails and the achievement amounts are compared together. Finally, strengths and weaknesses of rectangular railgun in comparison with circular railgun are discussed and achievement results are shown in the some figures and tables.