Current distribution in rail launchers via an equivalent network simulation approach

An equivalent network approach is presented for the evaluation of the current distribution in the rails of electromagnetic launchers. The massive conductors are simulated by means of a passive network mesh, constituted by resistive and inductive nonlinear and time-varying parameters. The moving plasma-armature is simulated by means of nonlinear active dipoles. The increase of the electrical resistivity due to the ohmically generated heat flux is taken into account in the calculation. Finally, the electric and thermal stresses in the rails are reported