Launch Efficiency of Capacitive Energy-Storage Electromagnetic Railgun System

• Published in: IEEE transactions on plasma science pp. 1 - 9
• Main Authors: Xiao, Tingyun, Chen, Lixue, Xu, Xuan, Xu, Shengqin, Zhang, Wenhao, Zhao, Bingxuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 2025
• Subjects: Capacitors; Discharges (electric); Efficiency; electromagnetic railgun; Electromagnetics; Inductance; Mathematical models; particle swarm optimization (PSO); pulse power supply (PPS); Railguns; Rails; Resistance; RLC circuits; Voltage
• ISSN: 0093-3813; 1939-9375
• DOI: 10.1109/TPS.2025.3592195

Electromagnetic railguns have advantages such as high initial velocity and long range. Improving launch efficiency is a crucial requirement for the application of electromagnetic railgun technology. This research focuses on optimizing the energy efficiency of small-caliber, short-barreled electromagnetic railgun systems. We developed a MATLAB/Simulink simulation model incorporating friction and air resistance effects, with its accuracy confirmed through experimental verification. Comparative analysis of collaborative triggering discharge modes demonstrates that synchronized multimodule discharge achieves optimal energy transfer efficiency. Systematic investigations demonstrate unimodal relationships between efficiency and three parameters: capacitance, charging voltage, and length of rail. Current-shaping inductance exhibits a negative correlation with system efficiency, prompting the proposal of a current-shaping-inductor-free power supply topology. We establish a single-objective optimization model aimed at maximizing system efficiency, subject to current peak and rise time constraints. Parameter optimization of this inductor-free railgun system via particle swarm optimization (PSO) yields a 19.32% efficiency enhancement compared to baseline values. These results validate the method's effectiveness and feasibility.