Simulation of the Winding Angles’ Influence on the Dynamic Strength and Stiffness of Filament Wound Composite Barrel for Railgun

Based on the orthotropic composite cylindrical shell theory, the radial displacement in composite housing of railgun barrel is calculated through using the calculation principle of 3-D effective elastic moduli of composite laminate. Then, the effect of winding angles on the radial stiffness of barrel is theoretically forecast with the radial displacement as the measure index. And, a 3-D nonlinear transient finite-element model based on the damage mechanics theory and multilayered solid element is established for the filament wound composite barrel of railgun under moving electromagnetic pressure. It is used to simulate the dynamic responses and the initiation and development of damage for the railgun barrel. The effects of winding angles on the radial stiffness and dynamic strength of the railgun barrel are also analyzed with the model. Simulation results reveal that the influence trend of winding angles on the radial stiffness of barrel is close to the theoretical prediction result. In addition, the plastic deformation in rail and damage in filament wound composite housing increase as the winding angles become smaller. It means that the strength performance of filament wound composite barrel for railgun degrades basically with the winding angles decreasing.