In this article, I'll show you how to build a coil gun. A coil gun is a device that fires magnetic projectiles at high velocities using electricity. Coil guns require no explosive propellant, therefore can be fired an infinite amount of times, providing that there is ammunition and available electricity.
A coil gun typically consists of a coil(s) of copper wire (similar to a solenoid), a capacitor bank, a transformer, a DC power source, a method of releasing the energy in the capacitors through the coil, and a projectile. When firing, the coil of wire induces an intense magnetic field that draws the ferromagnetic projectile into the barrel. When the projectile reaches the coil, the magnetic field is turned off, causing the projectile to continue down the barrel at high velocities. The coil gun built in this article is quite simple, focusing on the fundamental concept and availability of materials. Electric Induction Coil
For more information on coil guns, click here.
Note: I used a different on/off switch, but any on/off switch works. For the solenoid, you most likely will have to remove the plunger and outer casing, so it looks like this:
Turn on the on/off switch and wait about five seconds for the capacitor to charge. Now, insert the magnetic projectile in the one-inch end of the coil, or the back end. Aim at a non-living, useless object and press the trigger. The projectile should reach speeds of around 80 feet per second. As mentioned earlier, this is the simplest version of a coil gun, relative to the materials available. To increase the power of your coil gun, follow this guide, which is only for the technically advanced! It's expensive to build and takes lots of experience in electrical work.
Results may vary, but I was able to launch small metal screws into a piece of styrofoam from about ten feet:
Via How to Make a Coil Gun: Turning Electricity into Velocity on fear-of-lightning.wonderhowto.com.
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