Abstract
Electromagnetic propulsion technology is a new propulsion technology which uses electromagnetic force to push objects into high or ultra-high speed. However, during propulsion, the armature and launch load are affected by harsh multi-physics environment. The coupled effect was often ignored or over idealized in previous numerical simulations, which leads to large errors between simulation and experiment. In this paper, a three-dimensional multi-physics coupling environment simulation model is established. The distribution of electromagnetic field, structure field and temperature field in armature from static to high speed are effectively calculated. Moreover, the coupled effect between physical fields and the influence of key parameters on the simulation results are revealed. In conclusion, this model can reproduce the physical field distribution of armature and rail during electromagnetic propulsion. The time-varying resistance and inductance and the velocity skin effect (VSE) are the key parameters affecting armature movement. This method reveals a feasible path for the simplification of multi-physical model and the mitigation of extreme environment.
Highlights
As a new type of launching platform, electromagnetic railgun has the characteristics of high initial velocity, low pollution and large muzzle kinetic energy compared with conventional platform [1-3]
The electromagnetic force is produced by the interaction of in-bore strong magnetic field and current flowing through armature, which promotes the high speed movement of armature and launch load [6]
It is of great importance to study the multi-physics coupling effects and analysis method for better designing the launch load system
Summary
As a new type of launching platform, electromagnetic railgun has the characteristics of high initial velocity, low pollution and large muzzle kinetic energy compared with conventional platform [1-3]. It can thrust the carrier into 2000 m/s or higher speed in a few milliseconds, which can break through the speed limit of traditional chemical energy platform [4]. The transient electromagnetic field and force field produce Joule heat and friction heat respectively. It will affect the conductivity of conductors, which affect the contact status between rails and armature [7]. It is of great importance to study the multi-physics coupling effects and analysis method for better designing the launch load system
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