[ExI] Physical limits of electromagnetic launchers

[BillK]

On Sun, Jun 3, 2012 at 9:01 AM, Kelly Anderson wrote:
> Sorry, I wasn't suggesting the same mechanism, merely the same geometry.
>
> Regardless of where the breaking point is reached, it seems that
> starting with a circle and breaking out to a straight line after a
> certain speed is reached seems like a logical way to shorten the
> required length of the gun. It's just a question of how much shorter
> it would make it, I suppose.
>
>

Fc = mv2/r, where Fc = centrifugal force, m = mass, v = speed, and r = radius.

An object traveling in a circle behaves as if it is experiencing an
outward force.

You can plug numbers into this calculator -
<http://eculator.com/formula/calculator.do?equation=Centripetal-force&id=51>

Force of 1g = 9.81 m/s^2 = 32.2 ft/s^2

How much g force can your projectile stand?
How big can your circle be?
How much velocity can you reach?

BillK