Temperature Distribution Study of Armature and Guideway Under High-Speed Sliding Electrical Contact

In electromagnetic launch systems, the sliding electrical contact formed by the armature and the rail poses challenges to track heat management research due to ultra-high-speed friction. To investigate the serious impact of armature-rail overheating under high-speed sliding electrical contact on the launch performance and service life of the launch system, researchers have established a transient simulation model of armature-rail launch system high-speed sliding electrical contact based on finite element analysis software. This model takes into account both the frictional heat and the Joule heat effect generated by contact resistance between the armature and the rail. Researchers have analyzed the current density, heating power, and temperature distribution between the armature and rail in the linear propulsion system and compared these data with the actual abrasion and burn conditions of the armature and rail obtained from actual launch experiments. Through these comparisons, researchers have identified the distribution rules of current density and temperature in the armature-rail launch system before and after the separation of the armature and rail, verifying the effectiveness of the simulation model. This study provides theoretical support for the subsequent modification design of armature materials and the preparation of abrasion-resistant materials.