US Navy railgun: how it works

Engineers have fired the first of two industry-built electromagnetic railgun (EM Railgun) prototype launchers for the US Navy at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. The EM Railgun launcher uses magnetic fields created by strong electric currents to accelerate a sliding metal conductor, or armature, between two rails to launch projectiles at up to 5,600 miles per hour. The launcher was made by BAE Systems. A launcher built by General Atomics is scheduled for delivery in April. Source: US Navy via MSNBC, Magnet Lab, World of Defense

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[theQiwiMan]

"Okay, today's the big day. We're going to do our recording for the new railgun video, you guys excited?!"

"But Jon, the voice actor had to cancel. We'll have to reschedule!"

"What are you talking about, my neighbor Greg can do the voice-over!"

"..Greg? You mean that narcoleptic guy who has had a chronic nose-bleed his entire adult life?"

"Yeah! That's the guy, he'll be PERFECT!"

[kurokamislivergod]

I'm I the only one thinking of Toaru Kagaku no Railgun

[gwilendiel]

Right hand rule is for flow of magnetic field around the conductor.
Left hand rule is for the force relative to the conductor.

There is a left hand rule. Look it up.

[RickSanchez-fxlt]

The beginning animation is incorrect. The projectile keeps the same direction magnetic field as both wires, and it can't magically start spinning the opposite direction. That the reason why it can be repelled by the magnetic field of the two rails.

[brettluke]

What you're seeing is the projectile moving fast enough to ignite the actual atmosphere surrounding it. Think space shuttle reentry.

[curseofgladstone]

I dont need a massive cannon.
I can use an arcade coin and flick it with my lightening!

[jamesvaterlaus]

I'm pretty sure that's supposed to show the "right-hand-rule" of electricity and magnetism, but they're using a left-hand model. Oops.

[erichtg]

OK ok, the vid is correctly demonstrating Fleming's left hand rule which relates force, electric current, and magnetic field for electro-mechanical devices that resemble motors. But as as you and others point out. The same principle can be illustrated using either hand.... This exchange in an example of why we should we should just pick one version and stick with it.

[reggiewedgies]

yes. You actually understand this concept. The only part he forget to mention was when you say "bang" at the end

[DystopicEdits]

I finally have a use for Fleming's Left Hand Rule

[heavylifter]

You know just a thought. Compared to the velocities that tank rounds fly at, if the speeds are accurate,  this thing will fire round a little under twice as fast which is really amazing. If they dial it back some it would still be faster than modern power fired ammunition and probably more applicable to smaller platforms such as tanks and smaller boats.

[MadCowMusic]

Napoleon Dynamite explains the railgun!

[DrSpike]

Wow, could they have made that hand example any more convoluted?

[SocialDiesel]

In AP Physics, we were always taught to use our RIGHT hand rules for vectors. Why'd you use your left?

[localplatypus]

"We'll be raising your rent for this ye...."

[jakena]

I don't know if I'm right but...
Isn' the magnatic field of projectile around 15 second is opposite?

[LunchBXcrue]

It seems like the point of this video got a little lost on the way

[random]

Put both hands in the position facing forwards. Rotate your left arm so the palm is pointing up... what do you notice? On both hands one finger points up, one forward, one left. Just because you learned it as the 'right hand rule' doesn't mean other arrangements aren't equally valid.

[Lucifer]

I prefer the Eastwood's left hand rule: With your left hand, fold downward your index, ring, and pinky fingers and extend middle finger upwards. While the enemy is watching your left hand, pull trigger with right index finder of the .44 magnum in your right hand and blow their head clean off. Worked for Clint, works for me too.

[HealthyHappyAnimals]

that's plasma.

- "Plasma is a distinct phase of matter, separate from the traditional solids, liquids, and gases. It is a collection of charged particles that respond strongly and collectively to electromagnetic fields, taking the form of gas-like clouds or ion beams. Since the particles in plasma are electrically charged (generally by being stripped of electrons), it is frequently described as an "ionized gas."