Estimating Kinetic Energy

We want to know the expected kinetic energy of the projectile to estimate the velocity of various projectiles.

Kinetic Energy

Note that potential energy PE = CV²/2 (where C is farads, and V is voltage)

Also note kinetic energy KE = mv²/2 (where m is kilograms and v is meters/sec)

In coilguns, KE is related to PE by an efficiency factor 'e' defined as: e = ^(KE)/_(PE)

Set the kinetic energy equal to the efficiency multiplied by potential energy, and solve for velocity:

Assuming typical values for this coilgun:

• e = 0.01 - 0.02 (e.g. 1 - 2%) based on experience at lower energies
• C = 12,000 uF
• V = 100 - 190 volts
• m = 2.163g or 4.301g (e.g. mass of some known finishing nails)

At minimum speed:

• e = 0.01, m = 4.301g, V = 100v, which yields v = 16.7 m/s = 54.8 fps

At maximum speed:

• e = 0.02, m = 2.163g, V = 190v, which yields v = 63.3 m/s = 207 fps
  

Last update June 25, 2007 by Barry Hansen ©2007