Coaxial electromagnetic launcher calculations using FE-BE method and hybrid potentials

A hybrid method combining finite and boundary elements (the FE-BE method) is presented to analyze the transient electromagnetic/mechanical behavior of coaxial induction launchers (i.e., the coilgun). The corresponding initial/boundary value problem is formulated in terms of the hybrid potentials, which mixes the vector and scalar magnetic potential functions. The problem is assumed to be axisymmetric and the forcing currents are circumferential. The thermal effect due to ohmic losses is considered during the launching processes. Simulations of a single-stage induction launcher and of a five-stage launcher are presented