Armature shape optimization and scaling studies in electromagnetic launchers using finite element method

Date

2024-8-29

Author

Gülletutan, Görkem

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Electromagnetic launchers (EMLs) offer advantages like improved safety and higher muzzle velocity. However, they face challenges in thermal management and material strength. Therefore, designing and optimizing these systems is crucial. One key aspect of the barrel design is the armature geometry. This thesis focuses on optimizing the armature shape for the EMFY-4 launcher to enhance overall efficiency and thermal management. The main objectives are to optimize the armature mass and achieve a homogeneous current density. A genetic algorithm (GA) is employed for the optimization, with a constraint on the minimum cross-sectional area to prevent the armature from melting or breaking. Since contact resistance impacts the current density distribution at the armature-rail interface, this effect is also studied for the optimum armature. The performances of the original and optimized armatures are then compared. Following the optimization of the EMFY-4 launcher armature, a scaling study for the EMFY-4 launcher is conducted. Scaling in EMLs helps investigate armature and rail material characteristics, as testing a full-scale model can be costly, risky, and time-consuming. Unlike traditional approaches, this optimization uses an existing pulsed power supply (PPS) with two objectives: rail length and the ratio of the exit current to the peak current. The temperature, magnetic induction, and stress fields (T, B, S) remain similar by keeping specific action value constant during scaling. Finally, the same optimization techniques, armature shape and scaling optimizations, applied to the EMFY-4 launcher are also used for the PEGASUS launcher.

Subject Keywords

Electromagnetic launcher, Railgun, Finite element method, Armature shape optimization, Scaling

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/111554

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis