Posted on 10/19/2015 10:56:22 AM PDT by anymouse
I think the definition of “railgun” is being used quite loosely here. My understanding of true railguns is that the power requirements are massive (like their own nuke generator type massive), and the degradation of the rail is substantial with each firing. I certainly would not want to hold a device in my hand that generated a plasma pulse ... especially one that came from a 3D printer. What is to keep the charged plasma from arcing to ground thru the body? Furthermore, a device that does not even cause the projectile to go sonic is going to have a very short range because gravity will overtake inertia in less than a mile). As others have pointed out ... no indication of mass of the projectile and at best it looks like a hobbiest created a winner in the best potato gun competition, but I don’t think this is really what it is claimed to be.
Aluminum is a conductor, and the rail gun sets up an electric field in the aluminum, which in turn makes a (transient) magnetic field in the aluminum.
Put wheels on it. Make a great motorcycle.
Does that come in concealed carry?
Okay. I’m just a layman in EE world. I mean I can wire switches and such, and I know aluminum is a conductor, one that does not mix well with copper because of thermal variances when connected together with copper, but I wasn’t aware that an electromagnetic rail gun could throw an aluminum projectile. I always was under the impression that you needed some ferrous material for the magnet to grab hold of.
Excellent idea. The alternator can recharge the capacitors, too.
In a railgun, the rails and the projectile become electromagnets. You're likely thinking of a coilgun.
“Terrifying” ...”Frightening” ...”Crazy”
The writer needs to get a grip.
I want one.
3 day waiting period, 3 week printing time.
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