Analysis of sliding electric contact characteristics in augmented railgun based on the combination of contact resistance and sliding friction coefficient

The contact resistance between the armature and rails is an important indicator of the contact characteristics in electromagnetic launches. As the contact resistance depends not only on the contact state but also on the contact stress and temperature, there are some limitations in analyzing the contact characteristics using only the contact resistance. In this paper, the contact characteristics of the augmented railgun are analyzed by the combination of contact resistance and sliding friction coefficient. Firstly, the theoretical calculation model of the contact resistance and friction coefficient of the augmented electromagnetic railgun is established. Then the contact resistance and friction coefficient are calculated by the measured values of the muzzle voltage, rail current and armature displacement. Finally, the contact characteristics are analyzed according to the features of the waveforms of the contact resistance and the friction coefficient, and the analysis conclusions are verified by experimental rail images. The results showed that: the aluminum melt film gradually formed on the contact surface reduces the contact resistance and the friction coefficient; the wear and erosion of the armature cause deterioration of the contact state; after the transition, the reliability of the sliding contact between the armature and rails decreases, resulting in an increase in contact resistance.