Design and testing of a 15-stage synchronous induction coilgun

An improved large-caliber synchronous induction coilgun was tested to demonstrate the launch of 120-mm projectiles. This induction coilgun is made of 15 identical coils. The coils are stacked end-to-end forming a barrel, and each coil is energized by the same pulsed power topology in sequence to generate a magnetic force to accelerate the projectile. Tracking of the projectile location during launching provided precise feedback to control. A computer simulation based on the viewpoint of FEA software is developed to predict the performance of the launcher system. 5-kilogram copper projectiles were accelerated from rest to 220 m/s through the 2.5-m launcher assembly with a projectile kinetic energy to capacitor stored energy efficiency of 14.5%. The 15-stage induction coilgun provides a significant improvement in the armature capture effect, system efficient and coil structure. Further experiments studies are being continued.