Calculation of Transient Current Distribution in Compulsator Wires of Electromagnetic Launchers and Railguns

Electromagnetic launchers can be used to reduce unit costs of payload to orbit. Such launchers are expected to be powered by compulsators. Cross sectional current density distribution in compulsator wires are caused by inductive phenomena, load characteristics and the highly transient nature of the problem. It is necessary to ensure proper current density distribution in order to avoid overheating and melting of sections of compulsator wires. The present work develops a physical model to determine current density distribution in typical compulsator wire geometries. Mathematical formulation of the physical model results in a system of N coupled differential equations in non dimensional form which are then numerically solved. Results obtained clearly indicate that proper matching of load and compulsator wire impedances are necessary in order to prevent damage to compulsator wire sections. Time dependent load characteristics and heat transfer are not included in the present formulation