Segmented Steel Barrel Sections for Railgun Inductance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional railgun designs face challenges in maintaining high inductance per unit length while allowing the electrically conductive gun barrel to be close to the current carrying rails, as the barrel geometry and boundary conditions restrict the application of magnetic pressure effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design features two elongated mechanically rigid electrically conductive barrel sections spaced apart along the length of the railgun, with each section mechanically coupled to an elongated current-carrying rail, forming an open channel, and electrically connected only at the base, allowing for high inductance and efficient magnetic pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the electrically conductive gun barrel is placed close to the current carrying rails, then the magnetic pressure can be effectively applied to propel the armature, but the rail inductance is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive barrel is divided into multiple discrete sections spaced apart from each other along the length of the railgun. This segmentation allows the barrel to be positioned close to the rails for effective magnetic pressure application while the spacing between sections maintains high rail inductance by preventing continuous electrical contact that would create image current paths.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the barrel is fully enclosing of the rails, then the gas pressure is contained effectively, but the magnetic field containment and pressure application is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel is segmented into discrete sections rather than forming a continuous enclosure. This segmentation creates an open channel configuration that allows magnetic field lines to penetrate effectively between the rails and apply magnetic pressure to the armature, while still providing sufficient gas containment through the spaced arrangement of conductive sections.
3Loss of energy
If the barrel sections are electrically isolated from each other, then the inductance per unit length is maintained high, but the current circuit completion is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The armature serves as an electrical intermediary that bridges the gap between isolated barrel sections. Current flows through the rails, across the armature, and returns through the spaced barrel sections, with the armature completing the circuit path without requiring direct electrical contact between the barrel sections themselves, thereby maintaining high inductance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables high efficiency in propelling a moving armature by maintaining high inductance per unit length and effectively applying magnetic pressure, while preventing gas escape and force loss, allowing for multiple firings with reduced energy dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated current carrying rail (14) for providing electromagnetic propulsive force to the armature (30)
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic pressure is a vector quantity. The barrel design for a magnetic gun can take advantage of this fundamental difference
Data Source
AI summary
An elongated electromagnetic railgun (1) adapted to propel a moving armature (30) through a bore (11) along the length of the railgun (1) from its breech end (21) to its muzzle end (22). The railgun (1) comprises two elongated mechanically rigid electrically conductive barrel sections (13), said sections (13) being spaced apart from each other along the length of the railgun (1). Mechanically coupled via a dielectric (18) to each barrel section (13) is an elongated current carrying rail (14) for providing electromagnetic propulsive force to the armature (30). The two rails (14) face each other across an elongated open channel, defining the bore (11). The two barrel sections (13) are electrically connected to each other at a maximum of one location of the railgun (1).