Chemoluminesent or phosopholumesent rxn

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A user is developing a 4-stage 14kj railgun and seeks to create a tracer for a 1/2"x1/2"x1/2" aluminum projectile, which will experience extreme acceleration and high temperatures. They initially considered using magnesium for illumination but are exploring safer alternatives that won't ignite easily at speeds of 900m/s. The discussion touches on legal aspects, clarifying that the project doesn't fall under firearm regulations since it doesn't involve volatile substances. The user mentions that while tracer rounds may be illegal in some states, they are permissible in their Midwest location. They have also proposed using button cell batteries and an LED encased in lexan as a potential solution for the tracer, assuming the lexan can withstand the heat. The user plans to document the project on a personal website.
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Hello, I'm working on a 4 stage 14kj railgun and want to make a nice display for some of the people that have helped me. Anyways, I'm looking for a way to turn my 1/2"x1/2"x1/2" aluminum projectile into a tracer. It will be under some serious acceleration jerks in excess of 16,000g's and will have several tens of thousands of amps traveling though it. It will most likely get quite hot and be capable of igniting most materials. I was considering just using some magnesium, but was going to check if there was some other less "fire starting likely" reactions that can illuminate a projectile going 900m/s.

Cheers!
 
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I might not be familiar with gun laws but isn't that illegal?
 
actually, no. Regulations are only on firearms. No volatile substances used, so its not a firearm. As for the tracer thing. Some states tracers are illegal for firearms. No here in the Midwest though. Also, that once again only applies to firearms. That is unless the government is starting to outlaw chemical reactions...

anyways I may have found a way to do this using button cell batterys and an led incased in lexan. Assuming the lexan doesn't completely incinerate (very very unlikely that it would) it should work. If anyone is interested in the project, I'm starting a website at http://erikhagerup.org"
 
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