Method of Calculating Inductance Gradient for Complex Electromagnetic Rail Launcher

Abstract

Electromagnetic rail launch technology has made impressive progress; however, the analytical method of calculating the inductance gradient for a complex electromagnetic launcher is still insufficient. By fully considering the characteristics of electromagnetics and current distribution in a device, this paper describes a model of the current skin effect by simplifying the line current distribution in the device. Based on Biot–Savart Law, an analytical method of calculating inductance gradient for an electromagnetic rail launcher with complex structure is proposed. This method has the advantages of fast calculation speed and accurate calculation results. Because of error analysis, the calculated value relatively corresponds to the simulation result of the eddy current field. To reflect the transient electromagnetic emission process, the effects of different configurations, current frequency, and armature position on the inductance gradient are further summarized. The results show that the error rate of this method in calculating the inductance gradient is about 4%, which meets the requirement for calculation accuracy. The inductance gradient of the enhanced four-rail electromagnetic launcher is about 2.22 times that of the nonenhanced one due to the equal conditions; the inductance gradient decreases with the increase in current frequency and decreases as the armature approaches the muzzle.