DTRC electromagnetic launcher with feedback control

F.P. Emad et al. (see ibid., vol.25, no.1, 1989) described the development of an analytical model used to simulate and aid in the design and construction of a coaxial launcher. The authors present a more powerful launcher, improved design methods, and the use of feedback to control the forces as the launch is taking place. The model is based on a variable set of differential equations that represent the electromagnetics of the system coupled with the mechanical equations of motion. This approach in modeling results in excellent accuracy, numerical stability, and efficiency. The simulation can be performed on a desktop computer. The resultant design was used to build a full-scale model which was instrumented and tested. Both simulation and actual test results of the new launcher are presented. The most important conclusion is that the simulation is useful in making it possible to produce empirical control schemes to manipulate the resulting force curve