Mechanisms of solid-liquid evolution and current-carrying characteristics at contact interface under the magneto-thermal effect

The contact state of the armature/rail (A/R) interface directly affects the launch performance and service life of the electromagnetic launcher (EML). Accordingly, this study employs the modified heat capacity method to construct a finite element model, considering the magneto-thermal effect based on electromagnetic field theory, energy conservation principles, Joule's law, and frictional heat generation theory. The model simulates the solidliquid evolution of the A/R interface during the electromagnetic launch process. The investigation elucidates the influence of the magneto-thermal effect on the electrical contact behavior of the interface by quantitatively analyzing how interface current-carrying characteristics change under different contact conditions. These findings offer fundamental insights for controlling the magneto-thermal behavior of the A/R interface in conditions of high-speed and high-current operation.