gauss rifle project 1

[attractageek]

Hello. My question is in regards to the gauss rifle project described here:

http://scitoys.com/scitoys/scitoys/magnets/gauss.html

1. Is it possible to increae the strength of the Nd-Fe-B magnets by running an electric current across them?

2. While i'm not familiar with magnetics, I imagine the above may not be possible. If not, is there a way to calculate the the strength of the Nd-Fe-B magnet and then create a matching rig of round electromagnets (just iron rings, copper wire, electricity) through which the steel balls can be accellerated?

Thanks for your help.
Jan

 

[MagMike]

Hello attractgeek

1. If you wrapped the coil _around_ the magnet (instead of across the magnet), you will temporarly boost the power of the magnet, but by only a very small amount. One would have to run a few hundred amps of current to produce a measurable effect.

2. The web sites of most magnet manufacturers have calculators to determine the magnetic strength of simple shapes (e.g.

http://www.dextermag.com),

so you could use them to determine the field strength required. However, you are likely to find that you will need to supply a large amount of current to equal the strength of Nd-Fe-B magnets. They are very potenet magnets.

 

[attractageek]

Thanks MagMike!

I'll see what kinds of experiments i can do on this and post results.