Rail gun/Launche r Diagram of Rail Gun Problem Statement: This module is a energy conversion system that uses electrical energy that is converted to mechanical energy to launch a projectile. Governing Equations: Biot-Savart Law: B(s)=µ o I/2πs Lorentz Force Law: F=IdB avg Force on Armature: F=(1/2)L’I^2 Mechanical Energy: W m =Fl Analytical Challenges: Design and calculate system parameters in order to create a analytical model to simulate. Experimental Challenges: Construct physical rail gun based off of analytical parameters to test.

Challenges Analytical Construct and obtain the materials needed to make the designed rail gun such as the rails and capacitors. Construct the rail gun with the parts chose. Measure voltages and currents across parts of the system to see if values are at or close to desired values. Fire rail gun and measure the velocity of the rail gun using a high speed camera. Conduct multiple test shots to determine how consistent the performance of the rail gun is. Determine what the velocity and acceleration of the projectile. Use the values obtained through the experimental stage to determine the efficiency of the physical system compared to the simulated system. Experimental Construct and obtain the materials needed to make the designed rail gun such as the rails and capacitors. Construct the rail gun with the parts chose. Measure voltages and currents across parts of the system to see if values are at or close to desired values. Fire rail gun and measure the velocity of the rail gun using a high speed camera. Conduct multiple test shots to determine how consistent the performance of the rail gun is. Determine what the velocity and acceleration of the projectile. Use the values obtained through the experimental stage to determine the efficiency of the physical system compared to the simulated system. 2/12/14

Circuit Equivalent of Rail GunPhysical Rail Gun Construct v=mROlo4Wz1mI 2/12/14

Build of Materials (B.O.M.) Metal Rails Capacitors Power Supply Resistors Insulator Materials for Capacitor Bank Case (glass) Material for Armature and Projectile Wires for Connections 2/12/14

What Comparisons can be made from between the Analysis vs Experiment? Compare the velocity determined in the analytical model to the velocity measured in the experimental results. Compare the current determined in the analytical model to the current measured in the experimental results. Compare the capacitor bank capacity determined in the analytical model to the capacity determined through the experimental results. What is the Student Learning or Getting Out of this Lab Experience? Students get to learn about technology and theories that are used in many modern objects around us, such as roller coasters and trains. This module would be outside the norm of other labs that they may have preformed. It would reinforce electrical engineering concepts that mechanical engineers have learned.