Numerical analysis of brushes commutation in helical launchers

Due to its high inductance gradient the helical launcher has become attractive for launching large masses at intermediate and high velocities. At these velocities the brushes commutation assumes a great importance and is supposed to be the main limiting factor in the performance of helical launchers. A numerical model based on an equivalent circuit approach is adopted here to investigate the commutation mechanism and to address the dissipation of the commutation energy in the brush material.