Critical Velocity of Electromagnetic Gun in Response to Projectile Movement
Abstract
A model is developed to investigate the dynamic response of an electromagnetic (EM) rail gun, induced by a moving magnetic pressure during launch of projectiles. As the projectile velocity approaches a critical value, resonance can occur and cause high amplitude stress and strain in the rail at the instant and location of projectile's passage. In this study, governing equations of a railgun under dynamic loading conditions are derived that illustrate a lower-bound critical velocity in terms of material properties, geometry, and barrel cross-section. That represents the worst case or a lower bound solution for the structure under a dynamic loading condition. A study is then performed to show the effect of these parameters on the critical velocity of the barrel. Accordingly, the model that accounts for projectile velocity and gun construction can be used to guide and improve barrel design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP012475
Entities
People
- Jerome T. Tzeng
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory