Numerical Simulation of Transient Temperature Field and Thermal Stress in the Electromagnetic Railgun

Abstract

In the process of electromagnetic railgun launch, the rapid temperature rise and thermal stress caused by heat accumulation have a serious impact on the continuous launch. Based on the analysis of the thermal load of the rail, a thermal load calculation model is established. Under the given parameters, the finite element software ANSYS Workbench is used to simulate the temperature field and thermal stress of the rectangular section rail under continuous launch. The simulation results show that the maximum temperature and thermal stress are at the initial position of the armature. During the four consecutive launches, the temperature fluctuates greatly and the maximum temperature increases gradually after each launch. The thermal stress also fluctuates greatly with the temperature. When the peak stress exceeds the yield limit, the plastic deformation occurs.