The optimization of a projectile from a three-coil reluctance launcher

Abstract

This paper presents the design of a 3-coil reluctance launcher system and realization of an experimental prototype. A Maxwell model of the system was constructed and finite elements analysis (FEA) was applied before building the experimental prototype. The effect of variations in projectile parameters (such as material and length of the projectile) on projectile velocity was studied using the model. Then the experimental prototype of the launcher system was built. A velocity measurement system was also designed and implemented to measure the muzzle velocity of the launched projectiles. A total of 9 projectiles of 3 different sizes made of 3 different materials were constructed to be launched by the system. Each projectile was launched via capacitors charged with DC voltage between 50 and 200 V and the muzzle velocities were measured. Finally, the effects of projectile material and projectile length on muzzle velocity and launcher efficiency were examined. In this study, an easy-to-use, low-cost, portable, and structurally simple reluctance launcher that can be operated in relatively low voltage levels was implemented. Theoretical and experimental results were compared and it is concluded that the results are consistent with each other.