ELECTROMAGNETIC LAUNCH SYSTEM BASED ON A HALBACH ARRAY CONFIGURATION

The paper analyses a new configuration of an electromagnetic launch system (EMLS) able to accelerate a 1-kg mass projectile at a muzzle velocity of 3,000 m/s with an acceleration length of 10 m. The analyses consist of a mathematical calculation of the value of acceleration force necessary to achieve the project objectives. Based on these results a new configuration of an EMLS is presented. The projectile is accelerated by the Lorentz force where the magnetic field is created by permanent magnets made of neodymium iron boron (NdFeB). The permanent magnets are arranged in a cylindrical Halbach array with a uniform field inside. The copper wire coils have a special design, which produce a large acceleration Lorentz force with a current under 1,000 A. A short comparative0 analysis shows the advantages of this new solution compared with well-known accelerators such as railguns and coilguns. In the next part of the paper, we present the results of a simulation of this configuration with an interactive software package based on the finite element method used to analyse and solve three-dimensional electromagnetic field problems and simulate the movement of the projectile. These results confirm the advantages of this new configuration and open the way to test the system under laboratory conditions. At the end of the paper, conclusions are presented. This new EMLS, based on Halbach array configuration, can be used as a catapult for UAVs, airplanes or missiles, as a mass driver for small satellites or as a gun, which is a better solution than railguns or coilguns.