Design and evaluation of coils for a 50 mm diameter induction coilgun launcher

Coilguns have the ability to provide magnetic pressure to projectiles which results in near constant acceleration. The authors have developed coils to produce an effective projectile base pressure of 100 MPa (1 kbar) as a step toward reaching base pressures of 200 MPa. The design uses a scalable technology applicable to the entire range of breech to muzzle coils of a multi-stage launcher. This paper presents the design of capacitor-driven coils for launching nominal 50 mm, 350 g projectiles. Design criteria, constraints, mechanical stress analysis, launcher performance, and test results are discussed.<>