Rail Gun

[DocWalt]

Coil guns are the same as a solenoid, with precision timing (generally multiple coils in one) to accelerate a projectile and launch it.

The biggest issue with railguns is the immense heat, and the possible damage to the two rails.

[Alex3000gt]

No no no no.

You place a conductive material across two "rails" or two leads - one positive one negative. You introduce a magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of travel and the current flowing through the conductive object causes the object to move as described by Faraday. I'd go into further detail, but just look it up. Instead of allowing the current source to provide motion to the projectile, you could apply force to the projectile and force it in the opposite direction and you now have a linear DC generator.


edit:

Thanks wiki

[DocWalt]

Who was the no no no no directed towards?

Good diagram to explain for those that have no idea.