Modeling and optimization of a miniature coilgun

Abstract

This thesis introduces experiment-based modeling and optimization of a reduced-scale coilgun-type electro-magnetic launcher (EML) using the design of experiments (DOE) technique. Response surface models describing the velocity and kinetic energy of the launched projectile were developed using the Box？Behnken method with design variable transforms, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to refine the models by removing statistically insignificant terms. A bi-objective optimization problem with the maximum velocity and maximum kinetic energy as objectives was considered, and a Pareto front was obtained using the generated response surfaces as the proxy of experimental results. Verification tests on the optimal design points were conducted to demonstrate the validity of the developed models. One novel design ？ a hold and release device ？ to improve the velocity of a projectile is proposed. The device mechanically holds the projectile with electromagnetic force when a current flows through the coil and releases it after a preset time. The effectiveness of the proposed designs was validated through experiments.