adminELECTROMAGNETIC RAILGUN
Electromagnetic rail guns (EMRGs) are electromagnetic projectile launchers that use electrical energy to generate a magnetic field to propel a projectile at high velocities.
There are several types of electromagnetic rail guns and they are; simple rail guns, augmented rail guns and distributed energy storage rail guns.
Simple rail guns are basic in design. It consists of two parallel rails and a projectile.
Augmented rail guns have in addition to the simple rail gun design additional magnetic field generators to enhance performance.
Distributed energy storage rail guns employs by design energy storage systems to be distributed along the rail to further improve its performance.
Rail guns work by passing a high electrical current through two parallel rails. The current flow generates a strong magnetic field between the rails. The interaction between the magnetic field and the current flowing through the projectile generates a force propelling it forward.
The advantages of electromagnetic rail guns are as follows; electromagnetic rail guns can launch projectiles at velocities exceeding Mach 6. Electromagnetic rail guns can engage targets at distances over a 100miles. Advanced guidance systems enable precise and accurate firepower. Electromagnetic rail guns only use electrical energy eliminating the need for traditional propellant.
The disadvantages of electromagnetic rail guns are as follows; electromagnetic rail guns require significant electrical energy to operate. High velocities and electrical current cause wear and tears on the rails. Electromagnetic rail guns require managed sophisticated control systems and energy storage. High energy systems pose safety risks if not properly handled.
Electromagnetic rail guns find applications in the military defense industry as follows; electromagnetic rail guns can enhance naval strike capabilities and defense systems. Electromagnetic rail guns can be used for coastal defense and other land based applications. Electromagnetic rail guns could be potentially useful for launching small payloads into space.
The future of electromagnetic rail guns is based on the advances and development of the following technologies; advances in material research could improve rail durability and efficiency. Electromagnetic rail guns may be increasingly adopted by more military forces and in particular space industries. Electromagnetic rail guns could find more applications beyond military use such as space exploration and material science testing and research.
SOURCES:
- Zero to eighty by E.F Northrup.
- Electromagnetic field by Mason and Weaver.
- Classical electricity and magnetism by Panofsky and Philips.
- Naval electric weapons: the electromagnetic rail gun and free electron laser by Robert E. Williams.
- Electrodynamics of continuous media by Landau, Pitaevskii and Lifshutz.
