Optimal distance to accelerate projectile

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    Accelerate Projectile
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the optimal distance for placing coils in a mass accelerator project. Participants explore the balance between coil proximity and the effectiveness of projectile acceleration, considering both experimental and mathematical approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that placing coils too close may limit the distance the projectile can be accelerated, while too much distance may reduce the coils' influence.
  • Another participant proposes that the ideal distance can be determined experimentally, assuming sufficient power is provided to the coils.
  • A later reply questions the feasibility of a mathematical calculation for the optimal distance, indicating a desire for a more analytical approach.
  • It is mentioned that numerical simulations could be used to analyze the system, although they may be complicated due to the interactions of magnetic fields with ferromagnetic materials.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of views, with some advocating for experimental methods while others seek mathematical or simulation-based approaches. No consensus on a definitive method or optimal distance has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of simulating magnetic fields and the potential challenges in deriving a mathematical model for the system.

NeutronFusion
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Hi! I am recently involved in a project with a friend. We are trying to build a mass accelerator and thus, I figured that I need to know the optimal distance to place the coils and the winds on the coil. My thought was that if we place the coils too close, the coils wouldn't accelerate the projectile very far, but if it is too far, the coils won't have much influence on the projectile. Can someone please help with this? Thank you! Providing a way to figure it out would be nice!
 
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At the ideal point, the force from the coils is just sufficient to get the projectile moving, assuming you can power your coils long enough. This should be easy to figure out experimentally.
 
mfb said:
This should be easy to figure out experimentally.
Ok but is there anyway to mathematically calculate it?
 
With numerical simulations, sure. Simulations with magnetic fields influencing ferromagnetic materials tend to be complicated.
 

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