MadSci Network: Engineering
Query:

Subject: How come gauss rifle ('rail gun') projectiles don't vapourise when fired?

Posted by Gerry Quach
Grade level: 10-12
School: Sydney Technical High School
City: Sydney State/Province: NSW
Country: Australia
Area of science: Engineering
Message:

To my understanding, a Gauss rifle fires projectiles that travel at just below the speed of light... how then is it possible for Aluminium, ceramic or plastic (among other materials) projectiles to remain intact while in flight? Would the heat generated by the friction just vapourise the material?


Re: How come gauss rifle ('rail gun') projectiles don't vapourise when fired?

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