Transient dynamic analysis of distributed energy storage electromagnetic launcher using finite element method

Distributed energy storage (DES) electromagnetic launcher (EML) is proved to have better efficiency in comparison with a breech-fed one since it can reduce electric and magnetic loses and avoid the secondary arc in hypervelocity electromagnetic launch. In this paper, we proposed the rail´s dynamic governing equations of the DES system. A finite element code was also used to help us model the launching progress of a simplified DES EML system. The transient dynamics of both the rail and the armature were explored based on the Bernoulli-Euler beam model. Comparisons of the contact force and the contact area influenced by the armature velocity were conducted between the DES EML and the breech-fed one. We illustrated the dynamic response of the rail of the DES system under discontinuous electromagnetic force in details. The relationships between the critical velocities of the armatures and the elastic wave propagations along the rails were also explored in these two EML systems. With the finite element method, the advantages of the DES EML are more clearly presented.