Abstract :
The use of commercial electromagnetic finite-element programs for solving railgun problems such as inductance calculations, force evaluations, and current-density distributions is described. The first code considered, PE2D, is a program for solving the electromagnetic and electrostatic problems described by the Laplace, Poisson, Helmholz or diffusion equations in two dimensions. PE2D is limited in that only 2-D problems can be solved, and that current distributions through rail-armature configurations are not readily calculable. Hence, a three-dimensional code called MEGA is being developed. This program, has been used to calculate the 2-D current-density distributions through rails and armatures; however, it is expected that it will be used to calculate full three-dimensional problems
Keywords :
current distribution; electromagnetic launchers; finite element analysis; Helmholz; Laplace; MEGA; PE2D; Poisson; commercial electromagnetic finite-element programs; current distributions; current-density distributions; electrostatic problems; finite element analysis; force evaluations; inductance calculations; rail-armature configurations; railgun problems; Current distribution; Electromagnetic forces; Electromagnetic induction; Electrostatics; Finite element methods; Inductance; Laplace equations; Poisson equations; Railguns; Rails;
