Modeling and Optimization of an Indirect Coil Gun for Launching Non-Magnetic Projectiles

Abstract

This article focuses on indirect coil guns used for launching non-magnetic objects. A mechatronic model, coupling electrical, mechanical, and electromagnetic models, is proposed. This model is applied to the optimization of a kicking system used on limited size robots for propelling real soccer balls at the RoboCup. Working with an existing coil gun, we show that fine tuning its setup, especially the initial position and the length of the non-magnetic plunger extension, leads to an increase in the ball speed of 30 % compared to previous results.