Simulation and optimization of six-stage electromagnetic coilgun

Abstract

This paper presents a method based on Current Hoop Model for the analysis and design of induction coilgun. The cylindrically symmetric armature is subdivided into concentric hoops with diverse rectangular cross-sections, in each of which the current is assumed to be uniformly distributed. An equivalent analytical model considering mutual coupling of coils and armature hoops is constructed for dynamic simulation of the coilgun. Based on this model, the self- and mutual-inductances of exciting winding and hoops are calculated by Neumann method. The circuit equations are solved coupled with the equation of motion of projectile by using the Treanor method to ensure the convergence. Comparison between the experimental results and the numerical results simulated by Finite Element method (FEM) shows the validity of the presented simulation method for coilgun. The optimization of a six-stage coilgun is achieved by employing the genetic algorithm (GA).