Analysis of an iron-core and ironless railguns powered sequentially

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to calculate and measure transients for two different constructions of electrodynamic accelerators (ironless and iron-core) supplied by a three-section power system (three capacitor banks). The optimization of power supply parameters (switch-on times and capacitances of individual sections) in terms of system efficiency has been carried out. Design/methodology/approach Calculations have been carried out using a field-circuit model. For three-dimensional magnetostatic analysis, the Maxwell software and finite element method (FEM) were used, while for circuit model, the Matlab/Simulink software was implemented. For optimization of the supply system parameters, the genetic algorithm was used. The mathematical models were verified experimentally by using the original laboratory stand. Findings The efficiency of the system is much higher in case of iron-core accelerator. In both cases, the results obtained for optimized supply settings are only slightly better than those obtained by simultaneously switching on the thyristors and for symmetrical capacity division. Research limitations/implications Due to the presented field-circuit model, eddy currents in rails have been neglected. In the field model, there was no possibility to combine current flow calculations with moving of the projectile. Originality/value Using the presented filed-circuit model, both electrical and mechanical transients could be calculated with sufficient precision. Thus, it could be used in the optimization of supply system. The solution time is low compared with the solution time of the transient field model.

Using a Current Shunt for the Purpose of High-Current Pulse Measurement

“…For switching-on of each section, high-power thyristors were implemented (model T95-1900 from Kubara LAMINA Company) [ 34 ]. Both voltage waves on the capacitor bank and current wave were measured using oscilloscopes.…”

“…As an energy source, a capacitor bank divided into three symmetric sections with a total capacity of 363 mF was used (Figures 3 and 4). For switching-on of each section, high-power thyristors were implemented (model T95-1900 from Kubara LAMINA Company) [34]. Both voltage waves on the capacitor bank and current wave were measured using oscilloscopes.…”

A Railgun Secondary Propulsion System for High-Speed Hyperloop Transportation

“…Intermediate calculations that couple physics simulations are shown between the blue boxes. our proposed railgun system, we electrify each rail and the armature using three independent circuits that generate the Bfield and EM force to induce motion, as shown in Figure 2 [8], [9]. By leveraging these discontinuities in the circuit, an electrically insulating air gap may exist between the armature and the rails, reducing the friction experienced by the armature during motion.…”

Two Models for Time-Domain Simulation of Hybrid Magnetic Bearing’s Characteristics

“…For this purpose, the 2D and 3D finite element models can be used. Afterwards, calculation results are incorporated into the simulation model as lookup tables [13][14][15]. Similarly to the previously presented dynamic simulation model, external electric circuit equations can include various supply systems, as well as control loops [13].…”