Coilgun with car audio capacitors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of using car audio capacitors in the construction of a coilgun, particularly focusing on the energy delivery capabilities of these capacitors compared to traditional electrolytic capacitors. Participants explore the implications of using such components in a coilgun or railgun design, including construction suggestions and safety considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the possibility of using car audio capacitors in a coilgun and seeks suggestions for building it with these components.
  • Another participant notes that capacitors have current limits that may affect performance, though specifics on the car audio capacitors' current capabilities are not provided.
  • A different participant acknowledges the potential for using car audio capacitors but warns about the discharge characteristics and the need for careful charging to prevent arcing.
  • A final post indicates that discussions of dangerous activities are not permitted, leading to the closure of the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the safety or practicality of using car audio capacitors in a coilgun. Participants express differing views on the feasibility and safety concerns associated with this approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations regarding the current output of car audio capacitors and the need for careful handling during charging, but do not provide specific calculations or detailed safety protocols.

Pyi Shan
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Hi guys, I'm new to this forum and I just started working on my first coilgun. I've watched several tutorials on how to build a coilgun but all the capacitors they use in the coilguns are electrolytic capacitors. The capacitors don't deliver as much energy as the car audio capacitors. I'm wondering if it is possible to use car audio capacitors in my coilgun and if it is possible how i should build my coilgun. I've planned to use five 5F 24V car audio capacitors as I can buy them in Myanmar and electrolytic capacitors are extremely rare and expensive in Myanmar. Please give me suggestions on how to build a coilgun or railgun out of these car audio capacitors.
 
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Capacitors have some limits on the current you can get from them. I don't know how much current you get out of your car audio capacitors.
 
Even if you didn't have current limits on the capacitor, you'd still have to contend with the capacitor discharge equation: I = V/R*exp(-t/RC).

I thought about building a coilgun with car audio caps before, and I don't see why it can't work. It might be hard on the cap simply because they're not designed to fully discharge all the time. Just be careful charging them up because you're not supposed to just hook them up directly to a 24V source. You have to slowly charge them to avoid arcing across the terminals.
 
We don't discuss dangerous activities here. Thread is closed.
 

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