Stress Constrained Structure Optimization for the High Power Bus Bar of the Electromagnetic Launcher

The optimization design of the breech bus bar, especially lightweight design, has great significance for the large-caliber electromagnetic launcher (EML). In this article, based on the global stress constrained topology optimization technology and hierarchical optimization technology, a lightweight design model of the bus bar is established. The optimization algorithm adopts the method of moving asymptotes (MMA). The calculation model is the half of 840 mm
$\times230$
mm
$\times20$
mm flat-plate bus bar fed through 16 cables. The results show that the area of the optimum structure can be reduced to about 59.2% of the initial structure. It indicates that these methods can effectively deal with the bus bar lightweight design. Besides, the influence of the structure change on the electromagnetic field is analyzed. Finally, the optimum structures are given when the bus bar plate thicknesses are 25, 30, 35, and 40 mm. If pursuing the space utilization efficiency and safety, it is not recommended to use the optimum structure of the bus bar with a thickness beyond 30 mm. It is hoped that these can provide meaningful guidance for the design of the bus bar.