A Gauss rifle, also referred to as the Gaussian gun, is a type of shotgun that takes the form of a projectile accelerator. In this case, the projectile accelerator consists of electromagnetic coils that accelerate the ferromagnetic projectile to high speed.
A Gauss rifle can also be defined as a simple device that employs the use of magnetic energy to create kinetic energy. The attraction aids in accelerating the steel balls to a high velocity in order to create a shot.
Uses of Gauss Rifle
- A Gauss rifle can be used in warfare since it serves as a long-range weapon.
- Gauss rifles are also designed for use in cestus.
- In a challenger, the Gauss rifle gives the power for a one-shot-one-kill ability.
- A pillager also requires a Gauss rifle.
- A Gauss rifle is also used in a falconer.
- Another use is in the devastator.
- Another weapon type is the Hollander which also requires a Gauss rifle.
- They can also be used for launching spacecraft and satellites.
Magnetic Principle in Gauss Rifle Design
Within a Gauss rifle, there are a magnetic material, a rail, and three or more steel balls. The Gauss rifle works under three principles described below.
Acceleration of the Steel Ball
Once the ferromagnetic steel ball is within the electromagnetic field created by the magnet, it is automatically accelerated toward the attraction. When it reaches the magnet, it creates a significant impact that equals the speed it is moving at.
Transfer of Momentum into the Steel Balls Attached To the Magnet
The impact between the ferromagnetic steel ball and the magnet propagates momentum into the balls on the other side of the magnet.
Ejection of the Final Steel Ball from The Chain
The transfer of momentum to the chain of steel balls forces the steel ball furthest from the magnet to detach itself. The detached steel ball moves at almost the same speed as the initial steel ball.
Step-by-step Gauss Rifle Making Process
In a project to make a Gauss rifle, you will need the materials listed below.
- Wooden ruler
- Steel balls (nine)
- Cylindrical magnets (they should be strong)
- Adhesive tape (should be clear)
- Copper pipes
- Glue
- Two dowels
Follow the below procedure to come up with a good Gauss rifle.
Step 1: Taping the Wooden Ruler onto the Surface
Before placing your first magnet on the ruler, you need to make sure that the magnets will stay in place when they attach. So, you will use adhesive tape to tape the ruler onto the working surface.
Step 2: Putting the First Magnet into Place
The first magnet should be at the 2.5-inch mark on the already taped ruler. Alternatively, if you are not placing your magnets on the ruler, you can measure and mark the working surface using the ruler. You will then place the magnets on the marked points.
Step 3: Placing the rest of the Magnets
After the first magnet, place the other three magnets on the ruler or the working surface 2.5 inches away from each other.
Step 4: Putting the Steel Balls into Place
With your four magnets in place, you now need to place the steel balls accordingly. Place two balls on the right side of each magnet.
Step 5: Fire
At this point, you are only left with one steel ball, which should be used to fire. You need to place the firing steel ball on the far left of the magnet and roll it toward it.
Step 6: Shooting
After firing, the steel ball on the far-right shoots by moving away from the magnet to hit the target at a given force.
Conclusion
Generally, a Gauss rifle operates through magnetic and kinetic energies. When the firing steel ball is released, it is moved by the magnetic field toward the magnet to create an impact. This impact, in return, creates kinetic energy on the magnet, which is transferred to the third ball. The third ball moves and hits the next magnet. Finally, the last ball shoots out of the gun to the target faster and more forcefully.
