Electro Magnetic Ring Launcher

In almost all science museums, one project you will always see, that is electromagnetic ring launcher or sometimes called Thompsons ring. A bulky coil is connected to 60Hz, 115V AC mains. A cylindrical iron core runs through the center of this coil. A copper or aluminum ring is inserted through the core. When switch is ON. High current goes through the coil, magnetic field is created which induces voltage in the copper ring. This induced voltage creates a current and thereby a magnetic field around the ring. This secondary magnetic field is not in phase with the primary magnetic filed. So, a repulsive force pushes the ring out. With the advent of electronics, we can reduce the size of the coil at a tiny fraction of the size. Taking advantage of the resonance high current can be created in the coil at higher frequency at a much lower DC voltage which is safe to use.

Description:

Gerber files:

[lukashruby]

where can I get a circuit board like the one you used

[TheJuliusCo]

This project goes beyond elecromagnetism, it ilustrates resonance and many electronics topics at the same time, i think i have enough copper to build the traditional jumping ring but this is a great project for my science divulgation group @latunacuantica. I ll be sharing an improved pcb deisgn as soon as i finish it. Appreciate ur time and effort.