Week 4

Week 4

Final Prototyping

Prototype 3

          The first thing we did during the fourth week was obtained the parts we would need for our next attempt at a prototype. Once we obtained the material, we built the prototype and set to figuring out a projectile delivery system. To determine whether the rail itself functioned as it should, we started with a simple pneumatic system where compressed air was blown through a straw onto the projectile into the rails. Spot welding was still an issue, so our initial thought was that we weren't providing enough initial velocity, so we disconnected the system and practiced delivering the projectile into the system while it was off and we didn't have to worry about arc welding.

     The projectile was still getting stuck, and we figured this reason was because the rails were not perfectly aligned. Irritated that it required such specific and precise measurements, we decided for the next take, we would laser cut rows for the rails to sit in so that it was perfectly parallel since that was apparently what it requires.

     We spent some time getting the rails as parallel as we could without a computer, and then had some success getting it to launch the projectile. This prototype had more success than the prior two, but the delivery system was still very inconsistent. We figured the shape of the projectile might be the limiting factor now. We made several aluminum balls out of foil and had slightly more success with these. It was evident that the projectiles also would have to be computer created, whether by lasers or 3D printed with a conductive material -- it has to fit perfectly into the barrel of the rail gun so ensure consistent contact with each rail. Many hours were spent trying to create the perfect projectile.