Optimization of a Coilgun Coil

When making a coilgun what wire thickness should you choose for the coil? How many turns should it have to achieve high projectile velocities? This video is about how I optimized the wire thickness and length of a coil to be used in a coilgun.
The video was created as part of my experimental seminar submission in May 2021.

[@muhammadaleemadil]

Thanks man ... all the youtbers are just making coil guns ,,, you are the one who is actually educating people behind the hands on physics.... thanks brother.... great vedio

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

👍👍It's really cool! See also: Ultra power full COILGUN! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWfGd4CDa7KHpqssi=d9uViwHaR6vgnW1g kzbin.info/www/bejne/roqUaKlqaLmiqLcsi=ms8LLehidgsVw2Ep kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKCkkJyLfK2shsksi=IuZUGnQfxk9x0d74 The evolution of the bazooka in the third millennium SILENT BAZOOKA (COILGUN - BAZOOKA). kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqrZh5xnmtqem6s

[@ZothiamaCF]

Probably the most helpful video on solenoid design I have ever watched. ✌

[@fedegaru1550]

Nice video. Been making research on this subject for quite a while (7 months) and this is te best made video i've seen since! This video should have more recognition.

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Sure. Maybe, maybe. Look here: ! New: Apocalypse Coilgun, Fallout Coilgun kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqQm36Nhd6AfNE See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI

[@ertunaozderya6100]

Very useful video thanks for the effort you put in this video!

[@onerimeuse]

Brilliantly done.

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Maybe, maybe ... See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI

[@pcpatel01]

Thank you for the informative video, it helped solve a problem in our generator design

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Hi! See also New: Apocalypse Coilgun, Fallout Coilgun kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqQm36Nhd6AfNE

[@RetroElectric]

Awesome video

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Oh sure. See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbVoptmebSSiZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXesgmammKuNprc

[@henkee3715]

Would love a follow up on this video. Making the wire thickness test to find a practic optimum and test it with the n.o. turns optimum. I was also thinking about if there were any easy ways to lower the resistance in the wire like cooling it etc.

[@wynand988]

Great video! yes its all about the right balance of your projectile and coil configuration in relation to your power supply with regards to efficiency, other factors such as inductive reactance and hysteresis effect the efficiency as well

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Oh yes. Hi! How are you? See also New Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0

[@wynand988]

@@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096 Ive seen those thanks. Not too great amazon sent my capacitors back After they have already been shipped

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

@@wynand988 besides amazon there are other suppliers of capacitors

[@wynand988]

@@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096 I'm situated in south africa. The supercaps i need i can only get for an affordable price on Amazon or ebay sadly would you suggest i try ebay instead? Ive used them before and it worked fine someone recommended i use Amazon for these..

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

@@wynand988 I bought it earlier on Aliexpress. but now found a supplier of quality capacitors in the aftermarket

[@tijsp.8162]

Very interesting! It's been a while since I last played around with this stuff, but iirc one of the considerations for the amount of loops to use is inductance. While magnetic field strength scales linearly with the number of turns, the inductance increases exponentially with the number of turns, which ultimately affects how long it takes for the coil to become (de-)energized. Lower inductance means the coil turns off quicker, allowing you to keep it on for longer. Probably not really a concern for a single stage coilgun, but something to keep in mind for high-speed multi-staged ones, where every millisecond counts :)

[@true_cannon_workshops]

If you could make more like this that would be great

[@howardstark6707]

Of course. Maybe, maybe. See also forgotten weapon Coilgun HS-47: kzbin.infoBPReIoZ-2Nw?feature=share Very probably: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoipYnV9os6nbZo

[@bitsurfer0101]

You didn't put a kickback diode for the coil?

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Maybe, maybe. See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbVoptmebSSiZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXesgmammKuNprc

[@vex123]

Great video! Can you make another video with capacitors to discharge the projectile with higher energy?

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Yes of course. It's mega cool! Maybe, maybe. Look here: ! New: Apocalypse Coilgun, Fallout Coilgun kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqQm36Nhd6AfNE See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbVoptmebSSiZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXesgmammKuNprc

[@sonja3181]

Sehr cool Paul - kannst du sehr stolz auf dich sein. Liebe Grüße von uns , inkl. Lukas, Lorenz und Lennard :)

[@howardstark6707]

Sure. Maybe, maybe. See also forgotten weapon Coilgun HS-47: kzbin.infoBPReIoZ-2Nw?feature=share Very probably: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoipYnV9os6nbZo

[@matatisan]

i have a question. I built a coilgun, from a kit from aliexpress. i built it as it comes but the only thing I did is to put metal washers near the coil to increase the velocity. but every few shots the SCR get destroyed. I thought that it might be problem with the circuit or one of the compouments, but I soldered everything again and check the circuit, I also tried to change the SCR to original ones, but it didnt helped. do you think that the washers that I added cause the problem?

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Of course. Maybe, maybe. Very probably. See also: Ultra power full COILGUN! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWfGd4CDa7KHpqssi=d9uViwHaR6vgnW1g kzbin.info/www/bejne/roqUaKlqaLmiqLcsi=ms8LLehidgsVw2Ep kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKCkkJyLfK2shsksi=IuZUGnQfxk9x0d74 The evolution of the bazooka in the third millennium SILENT BAZOOKA (COILGUN - BAZOOKA). kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqrZh5xnmtqem6s

[@PapaGriffin]

I am so happy to see this video. For now we are like a humans who made a first gun within black powder stone bullet and bamboo barrel. But... The age of railgun is coming. I believe.

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Oh yes of course)) Hi! How are you? See also New Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0

[@walmart8019]

I know when ever I see the ones where they tap the power cable on the coil and it's hit or miss if it fires all i can think of is the eoka pistol

[@TonyKuzmin]

Interesting! I am making coilgun for my channel, your video was quite hepfull :)

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Oh sure. It's cool! See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbVoptmebSSiZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXesgmammKuNprc

[@alchemy1]

No resistor is used between the gate and the 12V battery?

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Maybe , maybe. Look here: ! New: Apocalypse Coilgun, Fallout Coilgun kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqQm36Nhd6AfNE See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI

[@doubleooh7337]

But did each of the different coils have roughly the same weight of copper, was each coil just a single layer of copper wire? Or multiple layer? And/or was EACH LAYER wound the same way? Ie starting on left eningd on the right?

[@doubleooh7337]

If multiple layers are wound different ways like left to right 1, right to left 2, left to right 3, right to left 4, then each layer m field will be ns sn ns sn, If all wound from left to right then the m field will be ns ns ns ns x4 the strength, and more propulsion

[@HL65536]

I just wanted to comment about the inductive voltage spike and that poor Mosfet and LED. Then I saw the poor Mosfets actually died. RIP. (Even though they are avalanche rated: I'm curious if (and by how much) it exceeded the ratings. How high is the current that flows? Do you know the inductance of the coil? If not, what are the number of windings, inner+outer diameter, length?) I also once thought about the best coil design and came to the following conclusions: 1. Number of turns vs thickness cancel each other at same mass of copper and the same power flowing through it. Thicker just means lower voltage with higher current, while thinner requires higher voltage for same power, but less current is flowing. You just need to optimize thickness vs windings for the voltage of the power source that has the best power density (with enough energy for 1 shot). Usually that is 400V electrolytic capacitors. 2. Losses are prop. to I² while field strength is prop. to I. That means double the field needs 4x the power. However, the further out the windings are, the worse they are for field per power. Therefore, for optimal efficiency, outer windings should have thicker wire then inner windings.

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Maybe , maybe . Oh sure. See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbVoptmebSSiZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXesgmammKuNprc

[@irakliabzianidze7180]

what can you do to stop the back emf? i would like to use mosfets and not relais

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Sure. Maybe, maybe. See also: Ultra power full COILGUN! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWfGd4CDa7KHpqssi=d9uViwHaR6vgnW1g kzbin.info/www/bejne/roqUaKlqaLmiqLcsi=ms8LLehidgsVw2Ep kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKCkkJyLfK2shsksi=IuZUGnQfxk9x0d74 The evolution of the bazooka in the third millennium SILENT BAZOOKA (COILGUN - BAZOOKA). kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqrZh5xnmtqem6s

[@REALPEDROGAMEPLAYS]

What's the best size for a coilgun's projectile? (For example, .30cal, .45cal, etc.) Hacksmith created a 50cal one but not only was the round too big to move fast, but was also a cylindrical slug that just wobbled. I've heard that a ball shaped projectile would work well, or a(n) (American) football shape would work better..

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Maybe, maybe. Yes of course. Hi! See also New: Apocalypse Coilgun, Fallout Coilgun kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqQm36Nhd6AfNE

[@tijsp.8162]

It's a bit of a balancing act: lighter projectiles travel faster, while heavier projectiles are more efficient (as in, more electrical energy is converted to kinetic energy)

[@a_ditto5722]

What stops the power source from shorting out? I know the magnetic field created consumes some energy and opposes a change in current due to its inductance, and that its only connected for a brief moment. But its still just copper wire? Does the length of it provide enough DC resistance? If so, how much is "enough" to prevent damage? Someone let me know if they know the answer! Ive found a few explanations but i wouldn't say they're exactly related to this question

[@yohannesassefa7626]

why you need relay and mosfet. wasnt it possible without those?

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Oh sure. See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbVoptmebSSiZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXesgmammKuNprc

[@felisclarke8090]

is that enameled copper wire or normal copper wire? What do I use?

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Oh sure. See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbVoptmebSSiZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXesgmammKuNprc

[@rennrad0815]

Its enameled copper wire but you can also use insulated copper wire (your coil will take more space)

[@tapuout101]

How powerful can you make it?

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Sure. Maybe, maybe. Look here: ! New: Apocalypse Coilgun, Fallout Coilgun kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqQm36Nhd6AfNE See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI

[@y9844]

Which one is more efficient rail gun or coil gun?

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Hi. More efficient look here: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI

[@fallu6224]

theoretically coilguns are more efficient

[@sarco60]

It would be great if it showed at average speed.

[@benjaminstephenson631]

why not a flightback diode after the coil?

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Hi. Maybe, maybe. Look here: New! Apocalypse Coilgun, Fallout Coilgun kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqQm36Nhd6AfNE See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbVoptmebSSiZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXesgmammKuNprc

[@snakeeatsdust]

Probably because he wanted to destroy as many mosfets as possible.

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

@@snakeeatsdust Maybe, maybe. Look here: ! New: Apocalypse Coilgun, Fallout Coilgun kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqQm36Nhd6AfNE See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbVoptmebSSiZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXesgmammKuNprc

[@andreasbeier2431]

Nice one. What about the length of the coil itself, how does that matter?

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Oh yes. Hi! How are you? See also New Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0

[@lordmyclin3671]

i think its included in turns

[@peasant8246]

1:25 Before watching this video: the LHS of the equation is maximised when *I* is equal to *n* .

[@survivalinthezombieapocaly2142]

Sure. Maybe , maybe . See also : !Coilgun and Survival in the Zombie Apocalypse (Step by step assembly of Coil Gun from 01:57) kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWq6hpZ9rNKGa9U

[@fernandoproman]

Use a capacitor so you can shot it at 500v

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Maybe, maybe. See also: Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32yiqupptudrZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbVoptmebSSiZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXesgmammKuNprc

[@Drenov]

You can calculate the optimum size without needing to do it in real life

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Hi! How are you? See also New Portable Super Coilgun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPfaaHbtOsm8k&feature=youtu.be kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57NdaSmlNSKkM0

[@PORTEnSious]

U think a microwave transformer hooked up wit coil would worl

[@survivalinthezombieapocaly2142]

Of course. Maybe , maybe . See also : !Coilgun and Survival in the Zombie Apocalypse (Step by step assembly of Coil Gun from 01:57) kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWq6hpZ9rNKGa9U

[@user-fz9dq3uy3l]

no capacitor? no invertor or rectifier? a 12 volt DC battery wont give near enough voltage to move that projectile is there soemthing youre not telling us my friend?

[@howtomakeacoilgunoffallout4096]

Very probably. See also: Ultra power full COILGUN! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWfGd4CDa7KHpqssi=d9uViwHaR6vgnW1g kzbin.info/www/bejne/roqUaKlqaLmiqLcsi=ms8LLehidgsVw2Ep kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKCkkJyLfK2shsksi=IuZUGnQfxk9x0d74 The evolution of the bazooka in the third millennium SILENT BAZOOKA (COILGUN - BAZOOKA). kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqrZh5xnmtqem6s

[@tijsp.8162]

12 volt lipo batteries like the ones used in this video can easily output 80 amps continuously, and probably closer to 150 in short bursts.