Design Considerations for Electromagnetic Railguns

Abstract

Electromagnetic (EM) railguns are similar to powder guns in that both provide an accelerative force to the projectile, while accepting the resulting recoil impulse. They are designed to contain lateral and axial pressure. They must be capable of surviving the thermal environment to which they are exposed. Although there are similarities, there are also striking differences. Both are explored in the present paper with emphasis placed on EM railgun design.