Evaluation of a Superconducting Augmented Rail-Type Electromagnetic Launch System

In this paper, a superconducting augmented rail-type electromagnetic launch system (SAREML) is proposed due to its inherent advantages in terms of lower current, smaller rail ablation, higher propulsive force, and higher energy efficiency. A superconducting coil to enhance the magnetic field was designed and analyzed. The inductance was calculated using the finite element method. Then, the mathematic model of a superconducting augmented linear propulsion system was established. The MATLAB/Simulink model was built accordingly. The dynamic simulations were carried out. The results demonstrated that a SAREML with superconducting augmentation is more effective.