Background Conventional pneumatic hail impact test devices exhibit inherent deficiencies including inadequate velocity regulation capabilities and complex operational procedures.

Purpose To address these structural limitations, this study proposes a novel hail impact test device predicated on electromagnetic induction coilgun principles. The integrated system comprises a coilgun, a pulsed power supply, and a projectile. The immediate technical objective is to achieve a launch velocity exceeding 175 m/s for a 95 g projectile, whereas the long-term objective targets a terminal velocity surpassing 250 m/s for a 100 g projectile.

Methods A field-circuit coupled model of the multi-stage induction coil launch system was formulated utilizing Ansys software to facilitate rigorous prototype design and computational simulation. Furthermore, critical system parameters encompassing the structural dimensions and the turn counts of the induction coil, alongside the length and thickness of the sabot, were systematically optimized. This targeted optimization was implemented to mitigate the adverse effects of reverse electromagnetic forces and to augment overall launch efficiency. Subsequently, a physical prototype was fabricated to conduct empirical hail impact tests validating the immediate performance objectives.

Results Computational simulation outcomes indicate that a 5-stage coilgun featuring a 35 mm caliber, when actuated by a pulsed power supply operating at 6.3 kV with 110 kJ of stored energy, successfully accelerates a 100 g projectile to a muzzle velocity of 260 m/s. Corresponding experimental evaluations corroborate the system design, demonstrating that utilizing a 3-stage coil configuration at an operating voltage of 5.6 kV to drive a 94.44 g ice-bearing projectile yields consistent hail muzzle velocities ranging from 175 m/s to 184 m/s across multiple launch iterations.

Conclusions This research substantiates the empirical viability of the proposed kinetic system and establishes foundational engineering methodologies for the broader implementation of electromagnetic induction coil launch technology within civilian applications.