Coil Gun: How It Works & Physics Behind It

In summary, the magnetic field is what pushes the metal bullet along, and you can increase the field strength with solenoids.
  • #1
Poseidonho
12
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What is the physics behind coil gun.

For the magnetic field part, that is convert a electric voltage to the magnetic field. How the magnetic field related to the voltage?
Is there any equation for the conversion the voltage to the magnetic field, maxwell or others?


After that, the magnetic field will push to metal bullet, in this case is it the force is convert from magnetic force to the mechanical force? How to calculate the mechanical force from the magnetic field?

Thanks alot
 
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  • #2
Every current has an associated magnetic field - see Ampere's law.

When you arrange the current carrying wire appropriately you can increase the magnetic field strength - see solenoids.

When the current is pulsed correctly a metal object can be moved ... do it right and you have a magnetic coil gun: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coilgun

For other techniques see magnetic rail guns: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railgun
 
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  • #3
Poseidonho said:
What is the physics behind coil gun.

For the magnetic field part, that is convert a electric voltage to the magnetic field. How the magnetic field related to the voltage?
Is there any equation for the conversion the voltage to the magnetic field, maxwell or others?

It's not the voltage that determines the magnetic field, it's the current. The voltage and resistance set the current flow.
 
  • #4
UltrafastPED said:
Every current has an associated magnetic field - see Ampere's law.

When you arrange the current carrying wire appropriately you can increase the magnetic field strength - see solenoids.

When the current is pulsed correctly a metal object can be moved ... do it right and you have a magnetic coil gun: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coilgun

For other techniques see magnetic rail guns: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railgun



For the rail gun, the magnetic field on rail do not play any role, Right?
 
  • #5
Drakkith said:
It's not the voltage that determines the magnetic field, it's the current. The voltage and resistance set the current flow.


Thanks,

by the way do we can equal the magnetic force to mechanical force?
 

FAQ: Coil Gun: How It Works & Physics Behind It

How does a coil gun work?

A coil gun works by using electromagnetic forces to accelerate a projectile through a series of coils. When an electrical current is passed through the coils, it creates a magnetic field that pulls the projectile forward. As the projectile moves through the coils, the current is switched on and off in a specific pattern to keep accelerating the projectile until it reaches its desired speed.

What is the physics behind a coil gun?

The physics behind a coil gun involves the principles of electromagnetism, specifically the relationship between electricity and magnetism. When an electric current flows through a wire, it creates a magnetic field. The strength of this magnetic field is determined by the amount of current and the number of coils in the gun. By controlling the current and the timing of its flow, the magnetic field can be used to accelerate a projectile.

How fast can a coil gun shoot?

The speed at which a coil gun can shoot depends on various factors such as the strength of the magnetic field, the size and weight of the projectile, and the length of the barrel. However, coil guns have been known to shoot projectiles at speeds ranging from a few hundred meters per second to over 2 km/s.

What are the advantages of using a coil gun?

One of the main advantages of a coil gun is its potential for high velocity and long-range shooting. It also has fewer moving parts compared to traditional firearms, making it relatively simple and easy to maintain. Additionally, as it does not rely on chemical propellants, a coil gun is more environmentally friendly.

Are there any limitations to using a coil gun?

One limitation of a coil gun is the need for a power source to generate the necessary current. This means that it is not as portable as traditional firearms and may require access to electricity. Additionally, the accuracy of a coil gun can be affected by factors such as air resistance and magnetic interference. Furthermore, the high velocities achieved by a coil gun can make it difficult to control and safely handle the projectiles.

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