Soft iron vs copper core for solenoid launching magnetic ball

[d4rr3n]

So I want to fire a magnetic ball through a solenoid coil but want to know if core material can enhance the performance. Would wire wrapped around soft Iron tube core work better then say a thin copper tube?

The aim is to increase efficiency so less power needs to be used to fire the magnetic ball, and yes I know the ball would be attracted to the Iron.

 

[Simon Bridge]

<puzzled> The iron core will stop the ball from going through the solenoid though.

 

[berkeman]

So I want to fire a magnetic ball through a solenoid coil but want to know if core material can enhance the performance. Would wire wrapped around soft Iron tube core work better then say a thin copper tube?

The aim is to increase efficiency so less power needs to be used to fire the magnetic ball, and yes I know the ball would be attracted to the Iron.

What is the context of your question? Why do you want to fire a metal ball?

 

[d4rr3n]

<puzzled> The iron core will stop the ball from going through the solenoid though.

I clearly said it's a tube, an Iron tube.

 

[d4rr3n]

What is the context of your question? Why do you want to fire a metal ball?

I don't want to fire a metal ball, I want to fire a magnet

 

[Simon Bridge]

I clearly said it's a tube, an Iron tube.

... fair enough: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=75339

What is the context of your question? Why do you want to fire a metal ball?

I don't want to fire a metal ball, I want to fire a magnet

... OK then, What is the context of your question? Why do you want to fire a magnet?

 

[Simon Bridge]

Any material that does not hog the magnetic field will help.

 

[d4rr3n]

Hog,you mean shield?

I know that in a standard solenoid an Iron core (tube) improves performance but a solenoid is accelerating an Iron piston, I'm wondering if its accelerating a magnetised piston will this change.

 

[homemade]

Would progressive fields activated by the magnet's position be used or is it one field? The magnet could activate the next propelling field by a ferric trigger. Spacing fields/triggers would take some work but that would be interesting. The dynamics of the unstable rolling magnet will be a problem with the pole being unlocked. Perhaps a sacrificial container jacket for ball on its ride up the pipe to stabilize the pole for magnetic field synch over progressive propulsion fields.

 

[Simon Bridge]

"Hog" as in the iron gathers all the field lines like a partner hogs the blankets.
That's how the shielding effect happens and also how iron slugs help.
Having a megneic piston changes too many variables to comment - you'll have to do it and see.

homemade is talking about linear accelerator design - you don't need triggers though, just a timer.
I believe your original question has been answered.