Improvement of Inductance Gradient in Railgun Using Ferromagnetic Materials

Abstract

Increase of inductance gradient is one of the most common methods for increasing applied force to projectile. Increase of inductance gradient is reachable by using augmented rails. In the first section of this paper, after definition of problem and electromagnetic equations, effect of variation of rails dimension and distance between rails on inductance gradient, self inductance and mutual inductance for circular and rectangular rails are explored. In the second part, a new method for increasing of inductance gradient in simple railgun and augmented railgun is suggested. This method uses technique that decrease reluctance of flux path and make a noticeable increase in gradient inductance.