Effects of shielding on railgun inductance gradient

A railgun uses electromagnetic propulsion to launch a projectile. Shielding of a railgun by conductors is one of the best methods for decreasing inner pressure on the rails. The magnetic field which is produced by shield eddy currents neutralizes the forces pressing rails outward and prevents structure deformation. By implementing the FE method on the railgun cross section, we consider the shielding effects on the rails´ inductance gradient. We have also researched the effects of the shield material and of the distance between rails and shield on the inductance gradient.