The DIY portable 1.25 Kilojule Coilgun took YouTube user Larsplatoon two years to make, and as you can see from the photo below, it looks like a serious bit of kit.
It packs a 12 volt high drain battery, four large capacitor housings in the stock, and a charging circuit in the foregrip, you can see it in action in the video below.
Technical Specifications and Design
The coilgun, also known as a Gauss rifle, operates by using electromagnetic coils to accelerate a projectile to high speeds. Larsplatoon’s design is particularly noteworthy due to its portable nature and impressive power output. The 12-volt high drain battery is crucial for providing the necessary power to the capacitors, which store and release energy in rapid bursts to propel the projectile.
The four large capacitor housings in the stock are essential for storing the electrical energy required for each shot. Capacitors are chosen for their ability to release energy much faster than batteries, making them ideal for applications requiring quick, high-energy discharges. The charging circuit in the foregrip ensures that the capacitors are quickly recharged between shots, allowing for a faster rate of fire.
Performance and Practical Applications
As you can see from the video, it looks pretty impressive, and seems to do a fair bit of damage to anything it is fired at. The video showcases the coilgun’s ability to smash through various household items, demonstrating its power and potential applications. While primarily a hobbyist project, the principles behind the coilgun have real-world applications in both military and scientific fields.
For example, electromagnetic launch systems are being researched for use in naval railguns, which could potentially replace traditional gunpowder-based artillery. Similarly, electromagnetic propulsion is being explored for launching spacecraft, offering a more efficient and potentially more powerful alternative to chemical rockets.
The DIY nature of this project also highlights the growing trend of maker culture, where individuals take on complex engineering projects for personal satisfaction and educational purposes. Larsplatoon’s coilgun is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, technical knowledge, and a bit of creativity.
Make via Popsci, Gizmodo
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