Experiments with the Modular Augmented Staged Electromagnetic Launcher (MASEL) and Comparison to Simulations

Martin Roch (1)

1 ISL - Frensh-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis

Augmented electromagnetic accelerators are advanced mass accelerators which are using an additional magnetic field to support the launching process. In conventional electromagnetic accelerators the electrical current through the rails and the armature has to be very large in order to achieve a sufficiently high electromagnetic force which accelerates the projectile. Due to magnetic flux diffusion effects, the electrical current is concentrated on the back of the armature, resulting in high current concentration and therefore heat generation. Together with the sliding contact between the armature and the rails, abrasive wear of the materials can occur and cause a transition from the solid contact to a plasma contact, which further increases the temperature and the wear of the rail/armature interface. To decrease the electrical current through the armature without decreasing the accelerating force on the projectile, an additional energy input mechanism has to be implemented, realized by an additional magnetic field, augmenting the magnetic field generated by the current through the main rails. This paper gives an insight to first achievements with the modular augmented staged electromagnetic launcher (MASEL), describes the experimental setup and compares the experimental results with simulations.

Mots clés: Coils; electromagnetic launching; magnetic fields; railguns

Domaines: Energie électrique

Martin Roch. Experiments with the Modular Augmented Staged Electromagnetic Launcher (MASEL) and Comparison to Simulations. Journées JCGE'2014 - SEEDS, Jun 2014, Saint-Louis, France. ⟨hal-01083942⟩