Balloting motion of SLEKE launch packages in EM railguns

The author reports some balloting motion computational results of the SLEKE (sabot launched electric-gun kinetic energy) launch packages, which are in their early stage of development. The computation model considers the effects of the electromagnetic (Lorentz) propulsion force, friction air resistance, gravity, elastic forces, and clearance between the launch package and the barrel. Computed are: the axial, normal, and yaw displacement, velocity, and acceleration; friction; and deformations and forces at the interfacing points. The results of this study indicate that the balloting force for the SLEKE launch packages is on the order of the air drag force and that a uniformly distributed power source would be more desirable than sharp pulse current for electromagnetic railguns