Comparison analysis of processes occurring in $N$-turn and classical railguns

The concept of multiturn accelerators is developed in view of thermal loads in structural elements and in the zone of sliding electric contact. Their basic advantages and disadvantages are assessed in comparison with ordinary single-channel accelerators. It is demonstrated that railguns of this type enable one to decrease the negative effect of current skinning and to reduce the thermal and dynamic loads in the contact region. The positive effect is attained owing to a relatively low current in the buses and its distribution over current-carrying elements of layered structures of rails and armatures. The considered concept of electromagnetic projection is preferable from the standpoint of acceleration of massive bodies.