Coil Gun: How It Works & Physics Behind It

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The discussion focuses on the physics of coil guns, emphasizing that the magnetic field is generated by electric current rather than voltage. Ampere's law is referenced to explain the relationship between current and magnetic fields, with solenoids mentioned as a method to enhance magnetic field strength. The conversation also touches on the conversion of magnetic force to mechanical force when a metal projectile is propelled. It is clarified that the calculation of mechanical force can be derived from the magnetic field, although specific equations are not provided. Overall, understanding the interplay between current, magnetic fields, and mechanical force is crucial for the operation of coil guns.
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What is the physics behind coil gun.

For the magnetic field part, that is convert a electric voltage to the magnetic field. How the magnetic field related to the voltage?
Is there any equation for the conversion the voltage to the magnetic field, maxwell or others?


After that, the magnetic field will push to metal bullet, in this case is it the force is convert from magnetic force to the mechanical force? How to calculate the mechanical force from the magnetic field?

Thanks alot
 
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Every current has an associated magnetic field - see Ampere's law.

When you arrange the current carrying wire appropriately you can increase the magnetic field strength - see solenoids.

When the current is pulsed correctly a metal object can be moved ... do it right and you have a magnetic coil gun: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coilgun

For other techniques see magnetic rail guns: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railgun
 
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Poseidonho said:
What is the physics behind coil gun.

For the magnetic field part, that is convert a electric voltage to the magnetic field. How the magnetic field related to the voltage?
Is there any equation for the conversion the voltage to the magnetic field, maxwell or others?

It's not the voltage that determines the magnetic field, it's the current. The voltage and resistance set the current flow.
 
UltrafastPED said:
Every current has an associated magnetic field - see Ampere's law.

When you arrange the current carrying wire appropriately you can increase the magnetic field strength - see solenoids.

When the current is pulsed correctly a metal object can be moved ... do it right and you have a magnetic coil gun: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coilgun

For other techniques see magnetic rail guns: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railgun



For the rail gun, the magnetic field on rail do not play any role, Right?
 
Drakkith said:
It's not the voltage that determines the magnetic field, it's the current. The voltage and resistance set the current flow.


Thanks,

by the way do we can equal the magnetic force to mechanical force?
 

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