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Nistlerooy
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My cousin is thinking about entering a science fair. Originally, we were going to build a small RC robot from scratch. Then he heard about rail guns on tv. You can guess which won.
I have a light university background in physics (graduated in 09), but electronics and electromagnetism were not my strong points.
I have searched this forum for other rail gun postings, and haven't found any solid information of what I'm looking for.
I understand the concept of a railgun, but have a few questions, and could use some expert advice on my design layout.
I've looked all over the internet at different designs for railguns, and found a fairly simple one http://scitoys.com/scitoys/scitoys/electro/railgun/railgun.html" . However, my cousin wants to be able to embed an object into a wooden log from 4-6 feet away. Not sure if that'll work out, but I said I'd take a look.
I'm trying to construct it out of basic materials. I see many designs which use point-and-shoot cameras (usually disposable ones) and other which use home-made capacitors. We don't mind spending the extra $$ to make a descent one in order to achieve the desired effect. However, we may go for all home-made for style points if we can't get the outcome we're looking for.
I"ve attached a rough layout/schematic of the design. I was thinking of using a 9V for the power source, or a car battery (12V) if needed. I think you get the basic idea. The transistor is an idea I stole from the design of camera flashes, which (as I understand), use transformers, transistors, and diodes to create an AC current, change it back to DC, and "pump" a capacitor with more voltage in order to get a greater output than the 1.5, 9, or 12 volts of the power source. (I've heard disposible cameras, which run off 1.5 V batteries, can produce 1,000 - 4,000 V.
The transformer is just 4 steel bars, wrapped in electrical tape, with 26 or 28 magnetic wire wrapped around it.
For the rail I plan on using thin (maybe 1/8") aluminum bars, abut 2"-2.5" wide.
The idea behind the trigger is to be able to place the projectile on the rail and have it stationary until the trigger is activated/depressed. So now I'll begin with my questions:
1. What are the design flaws?
2. As for the transformer, do I need to encase it with something for fire/safety reasons?
3. what specifications on the capacitor should I choose for a 9v battery? a 12v?
4. Will the trigger work as planned? Normally triggers complete a circuit, but in a rail it seems that the circut remains broken (until projectile closes it)
5. If I were to place the projectile on the rail, will it remain stationary until until the trigger is activated?
6. What kinds of things can I use as a projectile? Does the progectile have to be magnitized with 2 poles (similar to the one in the above link)?
7. Will the rails need to be mounted? I don't believe the will as there is no "recoil" like a gun, but if so, what are some good ideas for going about this?
8. Are there any other sources, tutorials, or plans I should be looking at somewhere on the net for help?
Thank you in advance for your time and help!
-Taylor
I have a light university background in physics (graduated in 09), but electronics and electromagnetism were not my strong points.
I have searched this forum for other rail gun postings, and haven't found any solid information of what I'm looking for.
I understand the concept of a railgun, but have a few questions, and could use some expert advice on my design layout.
I've looked all over the internet at different designs for railguns, and found a fairly simple one http://scitoys.com/scitoys/scitoys/electro/railgun/railgun.html" . However, my cousin wants to be able to embed an object into a wooden log from 4-6 feet away. Not sure if that'll work out, but I said I'd take a look.
I'm trying to construct it out of basic materials. I see many designs which use point-and-shoot cameras (usually disposable ones) and other which use home-made capacitors. We don't mind spending the extra $$ to make a descent one in order to achieve the desired effect. However, we may go for all home-made for style points if we can't get the outcome we're looking for.
I"ve attached a rough layout/schematic of the design. I was thinking of using a 9V for the power source, or a car battery (12V) if needed. I think you get the basic idea. The transistor is an idea I stole from the design of camera flashes, which (as I understand), use transformers, transistors, and diodes to create an AC current, change it back to DC, and "pump" a capacitor with more voltage in order to get a greater output than the 1.5, 9, or 12 volts of the power source. (I've heard disposible cameras, which run off 1.5 V batteries, can produce 1,000 - 4,000 V.
The transformer is just 4 steel bars, wrapped in electrical tape, with 26 or 28 magnetic wire wrapped around it.
For the rail I plan on using thin (maybe 1/8") aluminum bars, abut 2"-2.5" wide.
The idea behind the trigger is to be able to place the projectile on the rail and have it stationary until the trigger is activated/depressed. So now I'll begin with my questions:
1. What are the design flaws?
2. As for the transformer, do I need to encase it with something for fire/safety reasons?
3. what specifications on the capacitor should I choose for a 9v battery? a 12v?
4. Will the trigger work as planned? Normally triggers complete a circuit, but in a rail it seems that the circut remains broken (until projectile closes it)
5. If I were to place the projectile on the rail, will it remain stationary until until the trigger is activated?
6. What kinds of things can I use as a projectile? Does the progectile have to be magnitized with 2 poles (similar to the one in the above link)?
7. Will the rails need to be mounted? I don't believe the will as there is no "recoil" like a gun, but if so, what are some good ideas for going about this?
8. Are there any other sources, tutorials, or plans I should be looking at somewhere on the net for help?
Thank you in advance for your time and help!
-Taylor
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