- #1
breadloaf
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Hi,
I've seen a video of the US navy test firing a rail gun and in the video there is a plasma plume that follows the projectile. I am unsure of what exactly is causing the plasma plume... specifically:
And also, for how long would one expect there to be a plasma plume following the projectile?
I've seen a video of the US navy test firing a rail gun and in the video there is a plasma plume that follows the projectile. I am unsure of what exactly is causing the plasma plume... specifically:
- Is it the electrical energy passing through the rails that ignites the air and causes the plasma?
- Is it leftover magnetic charge on the projectile that ignites the air as it moves and causes the plasma plume?
- I'm guessing it is not merely due to the velocity of the projectile but is mach 7 enough to cause just the friction of the projectile against the atmosphere to cause a plasma plume?
And also, for how long would one expect there to be a plasma plume following the projectile?