A variable transformer was used to greatly simplify my system design. In this build, I sacrificed real estate for a much easier design as well as a quicker build time. This transformer is capable of delivering up to 250 Volts to my system.
This voltage rectifier was by my own design. I incorporated voltage regulation up to 400 Volts. An arm switch for safety as well as a fully integrated voltage meter to let me know when the internal capacitors were fully discharged.
This is the capacitor bank I used for the system. Together, these capacitors totalled 6 mF and could be charged up to 250 Volts. This lead to a total of roughly 70 Joules of energy; far less than the U.S. Navy but nonetheless respectable.
Here, all of the power sub-systems can be seen. This, combined with a rail and ignition system could lead to some fun...
A rather satisfying arming switch and ignition button
This is the projectile used in this system. These were basic ball bearings comprised of several materials. The type pictured is copper. Others included brass and tungsten with varying results.
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Electromagnetic Railgun
As part of the undergraduate physics curriculum at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, we were required to conduct research over the course of two semesters. As part of my undergraduate thesis proposal, i claimed that, as opposed to the system being used by the United States Navy, I could demonstrate the presence of a Lorentz force on the small scale.