Dynamic Characteristics of Electromagnetic Launcher Considering Inter-Rail Support Stiffness and Its Critical Velocity Study

The critical velocity effect of electromagnetic railguns refers to the high amplitude stresses and strains that occur in the rail when the projectile velocity reaches a threshold value. This effect may lead to shortened rail life and damage, making critical velocity one of the important design parameters for electromagnetic railguns. A number of scholars have already investigated the critical velocity of elastic foundation beams and applied this model to an electromagnetic railgun. On this basis, the influence of inter-rail supporting is systematically investigated. The equipment is modeled as an elastically connected double-beam system on a Winkler foundation. An analytical expression for rail critical velocity incorporating support stiffness is derived. The dynamic response is subsequently obtained through the modal superposition method. Results demonstrate that the rail critical velocity increases with enhanced support stiffness. Furthermore, the support stiffness exhibits greater influence on critical velocity than the elastic foundation. These findings therefore provide theoretical guidance for improving electromagnetic launcher design.