Top Speed of a Railgun: Lorentz Force

In summary, the classical railgun with a permanent magnet has a top speed due to the increasing time derivative of magnetic flux as the slug accelerates. However, in the case of a railgun where the magnetic field is produced by the current running through the rails, there would not be a top speed due to the decreasing magnetic flux as the current approaches zero. This means that acceleration would continue to occur and there would be no limit to the speed of the slug. This assumption does not take into account friction and the equations governing the force and motion have not been considered. More simplified formulas can be found on Wikipedia.
  • #1
Anthony physics
5
0
Ive asked this question before but i wrote it in a very confusing manner so ill do it again but in more qualitative terms:

The "classical railgun" i first learned about (mag field is produced by a permanent magnet) has a top speed because as the slug accelerates, the time derivative of mag flux increases continuously until induced voltage = voltage of battery.

However what about when the mag field is produced by the current running through the rails themselves? ( like the us navy railgun) It seems that there would never be a top speed because as current tends toward 0, so does mag flux and therefore the voltage created by faraday's law would never quite reach the battery voltage and acceleration will continue to exist. Is this true??

Note: for the purpose of this question please assume the only force involved is the lorentz force, do not include friction.

Thank you
 
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  • #2
Have you tried writing the equations that govern the force and so the motion?

Some notes:
...what happens when the slug moves at the same speed as the charge carriers in the wire that make up the current?
... for simplified formulae, see for example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railgun#Mathematical_formula
 

Related to Top Speed of a Railgun: Lorentz Force

What is a railgun?

A railgun is a type of weapon that uses electromagnetic force to accelerate projectiles to extremely high speeds. It consists of two parallel rails, with an electric current passing through them. This current creates a magnetic field that propels the projectile along the rails.

What is the Lorentz force?

The Lorentz force is the force exerted on a charged particle by an electric and magnetic field. In the context of a railgun, this force is what accelerates the projectile along the rails.

What is the top speed of a railgun?

The top speed of a railgun depends on various factors such as the projectile's mass, length of the rails, and strength of the electric and magnetic fields. However, with current technology, railguns have achieved speeds of over 7,000 meters per second.

What makes a railgun's top speed so high?

The use of electromagnetic force allows for much higher speeds than traditional chemical propulsion methods. The lack of physical contact between the rails and the projectile also reduces friction and resistance, allowing for faster acceleration.

What are the potential applications of a railgun's top speed?

Railguns have potential applications in military and defense, as they can deliver projectiles at high speeds over long distances. They can also be used for more precise and efficient space launches, as well as for scientific research and experimentation.

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