Is it possible to make an gun where the projectile is moved using elctromagnets. if sucessful can replace the use of explosive material in the ammunition.
2006-11-14 07:06:07 · 5 answers · asked by BABU K 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
A coilgun (also known as Gauss gun, Gauss cannon or Gauss rifle) is a type of magnetic accelerator gun (MAG) or magnetic accelerator cannon (MAC). It uses a series of electromagnetic coils to accelerate a magnetic shell to very high velocities. The name "Gauss gun" comes from Carl Friedrich Gauss, who formulated mathematical descriptions of the electromagnetic effect used by coilguns.
Coilguns are often mistakenly called railguns, and while they are similar in general concept (that is, a magnetic gun), they differ in operation, as a railgun accelerates projectiles down two parallel conducting rails. Coilguns are essentially identical to mass drivers, though on a smaller scale. Kristian Birkeland is commonly considered the inventor of the electromagnetic coilgun, for which he obtained a patent in 1900. The attempts to turn his invention into a usable weapon failed, and the idea was more or less forgotten for many years.
2006-11-14 07:21:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is called a railgun, and it can fire projectiles at speeds as fast as 3500 m/s, three times faster than an M16. However, it is thus far not useful as a combat weapon because each shot causes serious damage to the entire device. Development is ongoing.
2006-11-14 07:08:12 · answer #2 · answered by DavidK93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, subways & newer rollercoasters do just that. the problem is that such a system would require a huge amount of power & would have a very short duration.
gun powder is probably still best for most applications. additionally, you'd still need the explosives in the warhead for artillery and the like.
2006-11-14 07:11:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tis called a rail gun, one of the coolest things ever. Can shoot a 500g tungstun shell at 12,000km/hr (8,000 mph) through a tank, creating a complete vacuum inside of it, killing anything inside by literally sucking them through the exit hole. Neat-o.
Due to friction, they can only be fired once before needing to be repaired, and is too large for a person to hold while firing (not to mention the recoil!).
2006-11-14 07:09:27 · answer #4 · answered by fishthevile 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called a "kinetic energy rail gun" and it was part of President Reagans Strategic Defense Initiative
Check this out
http://www.ga.com/atg/railgun.php
2006-11-14 07:11:50 · answer #5 · answered by boonietech 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋