Building Underwater Coil Gun/Mass Driver: Considerations & Questions

[logickills]

I have a question regarding the propagation of ferromagnetic materials via a coil gun or mass driver in an under water environment.

Would the surrounding water effect the firing and or power of the shot. I know the water resistance is one thing to overcome. I was counting on using this more as a simulation for weightlessness of space anyways.


So are their any special considerations when building a coil gun that would be used under water?

Thanks,

 

[negitron]

Water resistance is THE thing to overcome; it's orders of magnitude greater than air resistance for a given projectile. Consider that even the most energetic rifle bullets will only penetrate water to a depth of a few feet before running out of momentum (assuming they even survive entry intact).

 

[logickills]

Well you see I expected the water resistance. As I stated I am using this as an example of low gravity environments.

I was more worried about the possibility of the water and it's diamagnetic properties affecting the magnetic field that propels the ferromagnetic slug.

 

[negitron]

I shouldn't think so. Ferromagnetism is so much stronger than diamagnetism that any possible adverse effects should pretty well disappear in the noise floor.