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coilgujn switching

chronixx

Student
Apr 6, 2025
1
hi sorry if this is the wrong thread this is my first ime here.
So my problem is im making a multi kilovolt coilgun (about 5 kilovolt but could go to 10 or 20) and i was wondering if anyone knew any relatiuvely simple diy switching solutions?
igbts and such don work for such high voltages.My current idea was using a spark cap connect from capacitor to coil where the spark gaps are encased in a metal housing where a vacuum is pulled.
(ideally theyll be very clsoe still enough for arching) However the box should be connected to a valve which leads to nitrogen gas. The diuea being when i need to stop teh arching the gas could enter and extinguish it. Is this plausible? Any other ideas?
 
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Doomed to failure.
Suggested research;
Magnetomotive force.
Amp Turns.
Rise time of an X/R circuit.
Methods to suppress an arc and quickly interrupt the current in an inductive circuit.
It may be useful to study the primary circuit of a legacy automobile ignition coil from the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Ignore the secondary, high voltage coil.
Concentrate on the primary, 12 Volt coil. That is what you want to emulate with your acceleration coils.
Once you understand the principles involved, you may want to move up to electronic ignition systems.
Replace the ignition coils with your acceleration coils. The electronic pack will handle the interruption and termination of the current.
PS: You may find high current to be more useful than high voltage.
Consider energizing all coils at the same time and concentrate on interrupting the current to each coil completely at the proper time.
 
I has been a long time since I used Magnetron tubes as switches.
But the suggestion to focus on current interruption is a good idea.
 

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