Launching Studies With a Four-Stage Induction Coilgun

The projectile used in a multistage induction coilgun can be categorized as either sleeve type or solenoid type. The sleeve projectile is a metallic cylinder, while the solenoid projectile is made of wire wound material. This research paper examines the disparity in launch performance between the sleeve and the solenoid projectiles both made of aluminum. Both the projectiles are launched using a four-stage induction coilgun. The sleeve and the solenoid projectiles in this study share the same dimensions in terms of length, outer diameter, and mass. Additionally, the total electric current conduction area is identical for both types of projectiles. The simulation is conducted using ANSYS, a finite element method (FEM)-based tool. The simulation findings are further validated through experimental tests using the hardware setup of a four-stage induction coilgun developed by the authors in their laboratory. The results indicate that the solenoid projectile achieves a higher muzzle velocity (ν
p
) compared to the traditional sleeve projectiles.