You are interested in the ability of the metal to conduct electricity. The magnetic field is due to the current in the rail and projectile/armature. The design does not allow for the use of high permeability core material since there is no core.Bugmenot said:In a railgun the lorentz force causes an object to be propelled in a direction because of an electromagnetic force caused by running a current through the "rails". How come you can use aluminium or another such non-magnetic metal as both rails and armature? Surely only a magentic metal would work?
First of all, Al is cheap/inexpensive.Bugmenot said:In a railgun the lorentz force causes an object to be propelled in a direction because of an electromagnetic force caused by running a current through the "rails". How come you can use aluminium or another such non-magnetic metal as both rails and armature? Surely only a magentic metal would work?
A railgun is a type of electromagnetic launcher that uses a powerful electric current to propel an object at extremely high speeds. It works on the principle of the Lorentz force, which is the force exerted on a charged particle moving through an electric and magnetic field.
The Lorentz force is the result of the interaction between the electric and magnetic fields generated by the railgun. As the electric current passes through the rails, it creates a strong magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the electric field created between the rails and the projectile, causing a force that propels the object forward.
The rails of a railgun are typically made of conductive materials such as copper, aluminum, or tungsten. The projectile is usually made of a conductive material, such as aluminum or a mixture of aluminum and copper, to allow for the passage of the electric current through it.
Railguns have several advantages over traditional firearms, including higher velocities, longer ranges, and more accurate trajectories. They also do not require chemical propellants, making them more environmentally friendly and reducing the risk of explosions.
Railguns have potential applications in military and defense systems, space exploration, and transportation. They could also be used to launch satellites into orbit and for launching spacecraft into deep space missions. In addition, railguns could be used for high-speed transportation, such as launching cargo or passengers at hypersonic speeds.