Simulation of electromagnetic launcher structure using finite element method

Abstract

Electromagnetic launchers use electricity to fire projectile instead of conventional fuels. In this paper, three-dimensional Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation of the deformation of the rails and containment structure of the electromagnetic launcher is presented. The containment structure of the launcher has to counter the repulsive electromagnetic forces. The repulsive forces also push the rails apart and cause the armature to loose contact with rails. A three-dimensional model is prepared and studied to understand the behavior of the structural elements and the deformation of the different launcher components. The model is simulated by the finite element method using ANSYS commercial software. The simulation provides fundamental understanding that both static and dynamic responses of the launcher are important and needs to be studied. The simulation results of static analysis and the importance of dynamic analysis and its effects have been discussed in the present work. © Research India Publications.