Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Is it possible to build a coilgun barrel out of metal? If I insulate the coils from the barrel, would it still interfere with the magnetic field?

Hello,

I'd recommend checking out the materials and procedure of this project:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... auss-rifle

noting that the terms "Gauss rifle" and "coilgun" are often used interchangeably.

Many coilgun designs do not require a barrel at all, but I would assume that a conductive (metal) barrel will exhibit some 'Faraday cage' behavior (also depending if your fields are static or oscillating), ultimately reducing the velocity of your projectile.

-John