What is the purpose of a railgun?

A railgun is a linear motor device, typically designed as a weapon, that uses electromagnetic force to launch high velocity projectiles. The projectile normally does not contain explosives, instead relying on the projectile’s high speed, mass, and kinetic energy to inflict damage.

Why does a railgun weapon system make sense for a scifi universe?

Railguns and their cousins also have the potential to reach much higher muzzle velocities than conventional gunpowder firearms. This means they are more accurate to a larger range.

How does a railgun work physics?

You have two parallel rails (thus called a railgun) and a moveable projectile that is also like a wire. An electric current goes down one wire, across the projectile and then back down the other rail. This magnetic field then pushes on the projectile with the current running through it to propel it out of the railgun.

Is a Coilgun more powerful than a railgun?

The advantages of rail guns is that they are much simpler to build and operate than a coil gun. They are also more powerful as they have a direct contact between the projectile and the rails while the coil gun has a gap between them.

How does a railgun fire?

The basic principle behind a railgun is that it uses an electric current to create a magnetic field. This allows the railgun to shoot projectiles made from conductive materials. The more current you can pump through the system, the more powerful the magnetic field and the faster the projectile will go.

How does Misaka railgun work?

The main character, Mikoto Misaka, has electromagnetic manipulation as a superpower. Her “signature” move is to take a coin, and to flick it forward while using her powers to accelerate it towards the target; as a result, she has earned the nickname “The Railgun.”

How fast can Railguns shoot?

5,400 miles an hour
Railguns use magnetic fields created by high electrical currents to accelerate a projectile to Mach 6, or 5,400 miles an hour. The velocity is sufficient to give the EMRG an effective range of 110 nautical miles, or 126 miles on land.

What is a rail gun?

Definition:a linear electromagnetic accelerator consisting of two rails and an armature in which the large amounts of current are passed through the rails to accelerate the armature by a Lorenz force. Below is a schematic view of the rail gun from the top.

What is the direction of force in a rail gun?

This force has both a magnitude and a direction. In a rail gun, the two rails act like wires, with a magnetic field circulating around each rail. The force lines of the magnetic field run in a counterclockwise circle around the positive rail and in a clockwise circle around the negative rail.

What is the 210 rail gun project?

Physics 210 Rail gun Project Team Members (left to right): Paul Nelson Denis Erkal Aaron Wertheimer Ma’ayan Bresler Professor Mike Romalis Objective:construct and fire a rail gun.

How do you calculate the momentum of a rail gun?

Multiplying a projectile’s mass by its velocity yields its momentum, which for high-velocity rail gun projectiles would be considerable. A portable rail gun that fires very small bullets may be the solution. A small bullet would limit recoil but still carry enough kinetic energy to inflict serious damage.