The discussion centers on the operation of railguns, specifically how the Lorentz force propels objects using electromagnetic forces generated by current flowing through the rails. It clarifies that non-magnetic metals like aluminum can be effectively used for both rails and armature due to their excellent electrical conductivity, rather than their magnetic properties. The magnetic field is created by the current itself, making the use of ferromagnetic materials unnecessary. Additionally, aluminum's lower density compared to steel allows for faster acceleration of projectiles.
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You are interested in the ability of the metal to conduct electricity. The magnetic field is due to the current in the rail and projectile/armature. The design does not allow for the use of high permeability core material since there is no core.Bugmenot said:In a railgun the lorentz force causes an object to be propelled in a direction because of an electromagnetic force caused by running a current through the "rails". How come you can use aluminium or another such non-magnetic metal as both rails and armature? Surely only a magentic metal would work?
First of all, Al is cheap/inexpensive.Bugmenot said:In a railgun the lorentz force causes an object to be propelled in a direction because of an electromagnetic force caused by running a current through the "rails". How come you can use aluminium or another such non-magnetic metal as both rails and armature? Surely only a magentic metal would work?