Electromechanical coupled chaotic vibration for electromagnetic railgun

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Xu, Lizhong^* | Zheng, Fengjie

Affiliations: Mechanical engineering institute, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066004, China

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Lizhong Xu, Mechanical engineering institute, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066004, China. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: The chaotic vibration has more important effect on the dynamic performance of the railgun system. It will cause violent vibrations and noise of the mechanical system and also cause large current oscillation in the electric system for the railgun. In this paper, the nonlinear electromechanical coupled dynamics equations for the railgun system are proposed. Using the equations, the nonlinear dynamic performance of the railgun system is investigated. Results show that under some conditions, quasi-periodic vibration and chaotic vibration could occur in the railgun system. The rail current, the distance between two rails, the rail thickness and rail width have effects on the nonlinear vibration of the railgun system. To obtain good dynamic performance of the railgun system, these parameters should be chosen properly. These results are useful in maximizing the power density of the railgun and ensuring launch accuracy.

Keywords: Railgun, chaotic vibration, bifurcation, electromechanical coupled

DOI: 10.3233/JAE-160142

Journal: International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics, vol. 56, no. 4, pp. 521-531, 2018