Research on slide-contact type linear electromagnetic catapult

A slide-contact type linear electromagnetic catapult (SCLEMC) is investigated in the paper. The structure model of SCLEMA is proposed, and its working principle & commutation process are analyzed. Thrust model of SCLEMC is presented. Thrust characterstic of SCLEMC is researched by means of the method of finite element analysis. The influences of driving current and gap distance on thrust characteristic of SCLEMC are analyzed. Researches show that the scheme of SCLEMC is feasible. Commutation process can be automatically realized through brush, which can avoid complex control system. Commutation voltage of commutation turns is not high, which do not damage stator winding and brush. The value of driving current has an important influence on the thrust characteristic of SCLEMC. The thrust of the mover increases with the increase of driving current.