Dynamic response analysis of discrete supported electromagnetic railgun

Abstract

Abstract In order to analyze the dynamic deformation of rails subjected to transverse moving magnetic pressure, a 3D simulation model consisting of the launcher and integrated launch package was constructed and solved with dynamic finite element method. Critical velocity effects of rail dynamics were obviously observed in the simulation results. The effects not only enlarge the rail deflections but also affect the contact status between the armature and rails. To mitigate this problem, discrete supports with different stiffness were applied in the simulation. By locally enhancing the stiffness of support, especially for the part of rails where the critical velocity happens, the dynamic responses can be effectively controlled.