Research on active arc-ignition technology as a possible residual-energy-release strategy in electromagnetic rail launch

In order to solve the problem of the original residual energy release strategy being unsuitable for high-energy and fast-firing electromagnetic rail launch, this work has explored the applicability of active arc-ignition technology (AAT). The results obtained from the comparison of launching experiments show that AAT has no influence on the acceleration of the armature and is capable of quickly releasing the residual energy. Based on the theory of magnetohydrodynamics, this work has also made numerical simulation of the muzzle arc, analyzed the influence of AAT on the muzzle arc flow field, electromagnetic (EM) field and temperature field, and evaluated the performance of AAT according to the projectile initial disturbance, the EM impact on guidance devices and the rail ablation. The results show that AAT is now one of the most practicable strategies for residual energy release.