Effects of pulse current waveform on electromagnetic railgun considering the eddy current effects

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of pulse current waveform on electromagnetic railgun considering the containment eddy current effects. First, a three-dimensional transient finite element model of the railgun with a metal containment and a pulse current waveform control model with constant feed energy are established. Then, taking the eddy current effect into account, the effects of different waveforms with constant feed energy on the eddy current, the rail current, the armature propulsive force, the rail repulsive force, the eddy current energy consumption, and the muzzle kinetic energy are analyzed. Finally, the simulation shows that reducing the slope of the rising edge of the pulse current can effectively suppress the eddy current and improve the muzzle kinetic energy. When the amplitude and the slope of the rising edge are determined, the excessively long flat top section will lead to more serious eddy current concentration at the ending moment of discharge, more eddy current loss, and less muzzle kinetic energy. Too high or too low amplitude of the pulse current is not conducive to the improvement of the muzzle kinetic energy. The investigation of this paper provides some references for the design of electromagnetic railgun and the selection of pulse current waveform.