Investigation of Current-Force Relationship in an Electromagnetic Launcher

In electromagnetic launchers, the projectile location information is required. Particularly in sequential winding systems, position information is provided by using additional devices for de-energizing a winding and energizing the next winding. In alternating current powered launcher systems, projectile position can be estimated from current changes without the need for an additional device. In this study, the design of coil and projectile suitable for use in electromagnetic launcher systems has been realized with the help of computer aided design programs. The projectile position is defined as variable and the change of force and winding current on the projectile is determined by finite element method. The relationship between the current difference and the force is determined according to the position.