Transient Analysis of a Linear Induction Motor for Electromagnetic Launchers

This paper deals with the design and analysis of a three phase linear induction motor integrated in an electromagnetic launcher of small size drones. The moving part of the machine is an aluminum plate (which the drone is attached to) that is rapidly accelerated to the target speed, over a short distance. Different quantities are calculated such as magnetic flux density distribution and equi-flux lines, propulsion force, speed and position of the armature etc. A parametric analysis is also carried out and its purpose is to estimate the influence of several geometric and electric parameters (thickness and length of aluminum plate, air-gap length, frequency) on the system performance. Electromagnetic field computations based on finite element method are carried out to estimate the performance of the linear motor in various scenarios using the software package Flux (R).