Thermoelastic Analysis of an Electromagnetic Launcher Using Finite Volume Method

Electromagnetic launcher uses electrical energy to launch an armature. In order to simulate the movement of this type of launchers, it is necessary to solve the Maxwell equations in rails and armature. Due to the high acceleration and low speed of the armature at the start of the movement, it is necessary to apply the non-uniform meshes at the beginning of the rails. Changes in the physical properties of the rail and armature must be considered versus the temperature. The calculated results are in the agreement with the experimental velocity results reported in the previous study. The magnetic contours indicate that the high share of electrical current passes through the interior of the rails and the armature. The results of the temperature distribution show that the highest temperature is produced in the armature wings and the inner edge of the rails. The effect of temperature and magnetic force distribution on the thermal stress in rails and armature has been investigated and it has been shown that the moment of occurrence of the highest thermal stress in rails and armature is different.