Parameter optimization of multi-stage coilgun using orthogonal test approach

Energy conversion efficiency is a crucial factor which restricts the development of the synchronous induction coilgun. To improve the efficiency, many parameters should be considered in the design stage, such as the structural parameters of the drive coils and the armature, trigger discharge position of armature and the parameters of power supply. In this paper, an optimal design method considering 11 parameters is proposed to improve the energy conversion efficiency of a three-stage coilgun. In order to avoid costly trials, the current filament method (CFM) is employed to analyze the operations of different structural coilguns with different parameters respectively. And the orthogonal test approach is used to guide the simulation for choosing the better parameters´ combination, as well reducing the calculation cost. The experiments show that the proposed method achieves a better result in the energy efficiency of the system.