Simulation Analysis of Wear Characteristics of Electromagnetic Rail Launch System Under Interference Fit Armature-Rails Contact

By introducing Archard’s wear theory and utilizing numerical simulation, the electrical and wear characteristics of the electromagnetic rail launch system under interference fit armature-rails contact are studied, with a focus on both electromagnetic and dynamic aspects. Through numerical calculations, the current density distribution on the constructed electromagnetic rail launch system, the Lorentz force and stress distribution on the armature, as well as the wear condition of the two rails can be obtained. The simulation results indicate that the current density on the armature is concentrated behind the tail fin and at the throat, with additional concentration at the front end of the armature. Under interference fit conditions, the maximum initial stress occurs at the throat of the armature, and with the application of current and the influence of the Lorentz force, the maximum stress shifts towards the inner side of the armature tail fin. The wear on both rails is severe during the initial startup of the armature, but decreases afterwards. Additionally, complementary wear patterns are observed on both sides of the rails in the latter half of the rails.