Rail gun

[CpTn_lAw]

hey there everybody! I've been looking over the web to find infos concerning the theory behind rail guns, and, i found a few web sites (note http://www.howstuffworks.com ) that explain how it works. i was questionning myself on making a small prototype that would shoot little metal piece at low speed, just to realize one. nothing that would overpass 600 fps. that would be funny to concept and build it!! any ideas? anyone who did it? and, i 've heard about the possibility to use ignition coils to provide high current.
The problem is, with possibly 1A to 2A there would be a force between the two rails....i'm going to think about it...
Has anyone ever made one?

[DonTheLegend]

Check out http://www.powerlabs.org/railgun.htm There are some vids of his in action too, i think.

[CpTn_lAw]

already done but thanks anyways! i'm going to a physics university this year, i hop i'll get some tools to work my own rail gun

[Nereth]

make a coil gun, theyre easier. Far easier. more reliable. more efficient. Everything. Rail guns are high end shit.

[Mihlrad]

im to make it my goal in life to make a rail gun the size of the paris gun. I will than use this massive gun to fire a metal plated potato into outer space. Whos with me?

We will need a few billion in funds of course so, lets get to it.

[CpTn_lAw]

if we all put 5 dollars, we will have a big huge rail potato gun!!!!

[singularity]

well if you want a micro railgun (like really small and cheap) check out <a href="http://www.geocities.com/physicsthings/ ... .htm">this site</a>.but watch out i connected 2 1000uf 350v caps to a camera flash circuit and it overloaded on the second shot.

right now im working on a new 2 stage coilgun, i'd say the hardest part on a coilgun or rail gun is the charging circuit, if you need any help on that just pm me.

o and mihlrad i say if we make some sorta super railgun we shoot something more random than a potato, like a spoon. we could be the first people to put a spoon into orbit using a railgun... we'll be famous, lol

[Flinchy]

ha awesome, too bad the spoon would probly disintegrate from the force . but at least you would probly get a nice plasma discharge if it was strong enough. but heck, it would be hilarious to use random silverware, jewelry, coins and any other magnetisable metals as ammunition. if you plan on actually building a coil/rail gun, be careful with the high voltages, they can bite you in the ass hard.

-Flinchy

[singularity]

im pretty sure as long as you stay below 120 joules you fine (as in you wont die). i would like to offer some adivice when it comes to taking apart camera flashes, ALWAYS!!! short the caps terminals before you work on it even if you havent pressed the charge flash button. i managed to get shocked and temerarily blinded when i forgot to do that.

[Benny]

What about a coilgun: http://www.angelfire.com/80s/sixmhz/cgkit.html

[Steve-]

escape velocity:

duh dun daaaaaahhhhhh


every spudgunner/potato-cannoner/produce-auncher's dream

[singularity]

what?


i have to add more word so i can post this

[CpTn_lAw]

you don't have to fire a metal projectile as long as you put a metal wad. you could shoot stick glue if you were to put a little copper piece that connectes the two rails to each others. That's the power of railguns...

[carlbelcher]

Copper wouldn't work because it non-ferrous (non-magnetic).

EDIT:

Getting my electric guns confused. whoops

[CpTn_lAw]

it would work with high energy as the joule effect would make it enten in fusion. you don't need a magnetic material as long as it conducts current.
See, if you connect yourself on a alternativ 12V generator and to little wires at each of your hands, you will feel a little bite, but now, if you increase the currect without touching to the voltage, you will have serious injury.
It's no matter of magnetic material (Sam Barro shoots a teflon projectile) it simply must conduct the electricity.

I'm going to buy one-time cameras today and i'll build it!