Optimization Design of Armature Arm Shape Based on Electrical Contact

Abstract

The electrical contact characteristics between the armature and the track directly affect the contact pressure distribution on the contact surface and the current distribution on the armature and the track during the launch process, and further affect the Joule heat distribution, the performance and the longevity of the railgun. In order to improve the electrical contact characteristics between the armature and the track, the work progress of the railgun with non-interference armature was studied, and the laws of the velocity, acceleration, displacement ang contact pressure changing with time were obtained. The moment with the worst contact state was selected as a typical moment. Based on the Cooper-Mikic-Yovanovich contact theory and the "1 g/A" empirical rule, the contact pressure between the armature and the rail was analyzed, and the desired electrical contact characteristics was designed. The armature interference parameters were optimized based on the reverse loading method. The railgun with non-interference armature and interference armature was simulated to compare its performance at typical moments. The results show that the improved armature structure can make the conductivity distribution more uniform, improve the contact characteristics, reduce Joule heat concentration and extend the life of launcher.