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Optimizing a Gauss Gun
Optimizing a Gauss Gun
A Gauss gun is a type of linear magnetic accelerator in which projectiles (here ball bearings) interact with an array of magnets. The magnets are shown as red/green spheres, fixed in position. A ball bearing introduced on the left is attracted to the first magnet and undergoes a rapid acceleration that increases its kinetic energy. Upon colliding with the magnet, this energy is transferred through the magnet and a chain of stationary ball bearings, releasing the rightmost bearing. See how the final velocity varies as you change the ball radius, air gap, number of stages, and balls per stage.