Experimental study of railgun aluminum armature electrical contact ablation

Author:

Peng, Xiaoting  Zhan, Zaiji  Li, Zhixin  

Journal:

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED ELECTROMAGNETICS AND MECHANICS

Issue Date:

2014

Abstract(summary):

Because of strong current, friction and arcing, electrical contact ablation occurs in the transmitting process of electromagnetic railgun, which is also one key issue in application. In this paper, an experimental apparatus is designed to detect electromagnetic railgun armature contacts ablation. Energy dispersive X-ray, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution camera and rogowski coil are used to measure mass loss, volume change, the ablation layer analysis, the element distribution on ablation layer section and the electrical contact analysis. Experimental results show that the input current and the contact pressure between electrodes are the major factors contributing to the ablation volume loss and mass loss. It is also showed that as a sliding electrode, the aluminum armature ablates more seriously during launch.

Page:

511---518