The Experimental Test Results of a Two-Section Linear Induction Launcher

Abstract

A linear induction launcher (LIL) is an air-cored coilgun. Its barrel consists of an array of cylindrical drive coils and the barrel can be a single section or divided into several sections. A single-section barrel can be easily driven by energizing the coils in a polyphase fashion to accelerate the moving part of the LIL, the projectile. A multisection barrel, on the other hand, offers higher muzzle velocities for the projectile. From breech to muzzle, each section is energized with an increasing frequency. However, several problems arise when a multisection barrel is used. Some of them are currently reported in the literature. For example, a retarding force on the projectile has been observed while the projectile passes from one section to another. The initial position of the projectile also affects the launching performance. Some experiments can be useful to determine the optimum conditions to reach maximum possible muzzle velocity. This article concerns the design, implementation, and experimental test of a laboratory-scale, two-section LIL to examine the effects of various parameters on the launching performance.