Multistage Coil Gun

MTE 225L Project Proposal

Course Instructor: Engr. Shahbaz khan

Abdullah Arif

7 July 2020
Table of Contents

1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Objectives............................................................................................................................................ 2

2 Design ................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Block Diagram ..................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Block Description ................................................................................................................................ 3

3 Requirements and Verification ................................................................................................ 4

3.1 Requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Verification .......................................................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Tolerance Analysis............................................................................................................................... 6
3.4 Safety Analysis .................................................................................................................................... 6

4 Estimated Cost......................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Labor ................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Parts .................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.3 Total Cost ............................................................................................................................................ 7

1
1 Introduction
1.1 Multistage Coil Gun
The Multistage Coil Gun is a device which ejects a small projectile at great speeds solely
through the use of electromagnetics. Besides the visual display, the purpose of my project is to
create an educational exhibit to show how electromagnetic force, if harnessed properly, can be
used for many applications. I chose this project because of the technical challenges it poses. In
addition, I am excited about the accessibility this project holds. Young students can easily see
and understand the general scientific principles interacting in this device.

1.2 Objectives
The project goal is to safely demonstrate a coil gun which launches a one-inch diameter
projectile. I will also be using 3 optical sensors so each coil can work on accurate timings which
will help the projectile gain more speed.

Benefits

• Educational tool which utilizes electromagnetic force. My project can be used by

professors teaching electromagnetism to demonstrate the effects of strong magnetic
fields
• Portable and easy to set up
• Entertainment for viewers

Features

• Launch a projectile at a certain speed

• High mobility with easy set up
• Clear distinction of components for educational purposes

2
2 Design
2.1 Block Diagram

Low Voltage Power Supply

Sensor Circuit Microcontroller Trigger Circuit

High Voltage
Power Supply

Coil Windings

2.2 Block Description

Low Voltage Power Supply
The low voltage power supply is used to power the sensor I/O circuits and the microcontroller.

Sensor Circuit
The sensor circuit is the primary interface between the photodiodes and microcontroller. Using
a series of potentiometers and op-amps the circuit takes the analog signal from the
photodiodes and translates them to clear, stable digital inputs for the microcontroller.

3
Microcontroller
Once the microcontroller receives the input signal, it calculates the optimal timing to trigger the
consecutive coils. The microcontroller completes these calculations by measuring the speed of
the projectile between the first two sensors. After extracting the necessary information from
the input signal, the microcontroller will relay the signal to the trigger circuit.

Trigger Circuit
The trigger circuit receives the signal from the microcontroller to trigger the thyristors. The
circuit will allow electrical isolation between the high voltage power supplies and the
microcontroller and amplify the output signal from the microcontroller to trigger the thyristors.
In other words, the trigger circuit will enable the discharge of the capacitors.

High Voltage Power Supply

The high voltage power supply consists of the capacitor bank and the high voltage DC power
supply. The capacitors store charge to provide the power for the projectile launch. The
capacitors will be in an enclosure as to prevent them from being exposed. The high voltage
power supply receives signals from the trigger circuit which control the capacitors to discharge
to the three sets of coil windings. Each capacitor will be controlled by a thyristor.

Coil Gun Windings

The Coil Gun windings are three sets of coils connected to each set of capacitor banks. The
current will be discharged through the first coil when the launch is triggered. The consecutive
capacitors will be controlled to discharge current to the second and third coils by the
microcontroller.

3 Requirements and Verification

3.1 Requirements
Low Voltage Power Supply

 Power the sensor input circuit, sensor output circuit, and the microcontroller

Sensor Circuit

• Receive analog signals from the photodiodes

• Amplify the analog signal and convert to a digital signal
• Output digital signals to the microcontroller

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Microcontroller

• Collect data from the sensor circuit and log the times when the projectile passes
through a sensor
• Calculate the time to trigger thyristor, must be able to output signal to the trigger
circuit

Trigger Circuit

• Takes in signal from microcontroller

• Amplify the microcontroller signal and output signal to trigger thyristor
• Must provide isolation from the High Voltage power supply to the microcontroller

High Voltage Power Supply

• Supply High Voltage DC power to charge the capacitor banks

• Discharge current, when thyristor receives input from trigger circuit, to the coil gun
windings
• Be able to manually discharge capacitors safely
• Be able to verify complete discharge of capacitors for safety purposes

Coil Gun Windings

• Allow current to flow within safe tolerances

• Cover any exposed leads

3.2 Verification
Low Voltage Power Supply

• Check for clean and constant DC voltage using multimeter

Sensor Circuit

 Use multimeter to test:

 Verify photodiodes operate properly

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  Potentiometers are set to correct reference voltages
 Op-amps output appropriate digital voltages

Microcontroller

• Verify that proper drivers are installed

• Ensure that code logic is sound, utilizing breaks within the code
• Use oscilloscope to check different pins, for proper input and expected output

Trigger Circuit

• Ensure that the trigger circuit is receiving signals from the microcontroller
• Verify that there is electrical isolation between the microcontroller and the high voltage
power supply (wiring, grounding etc.)
• Make sure the components are operating within their current ratings

High Voltage Power Supply

• Check to see that none of the capacitors are blown

• Make sure that the HV DC power supply is functioning properly

3.3 Tolerance Analysis

The component that most affects the performance of my project is the capacitor. More
specifically, the amount of energy I store into the capacitors will not only affect the speed of
the projectile, but also cause stress to certain components in the control circuit. The power lab
is able to charge our capacitors up to 400V DC. The thyristors must be able to handle high levels
of current and the trigger circuit must be able to endure decent levels of current stress as well.

3.4 Safety Analysis

It is understood that our project poses certain dangers regarding high voltage electricity and
moving projectiles. Appropriate safety precautions will be put in place in order to prevent any
undesirable circumstances. A deeper analysis regarding safe voltage levels and projectile
speeds will be determined in the design review.

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4 Estimated Cost
4.1 Labor

Name Total Labor Cost

Abdullah Arif 0 Rs

Total 0 Rs

4.2 Parts
Total Item Cost
Item Cost(Rs) Quantity
(Rs)
Photodiodes 10 3 30

Op-amps (LM324) 10 2 20

Potentiometers 20 3 60

Arduino (nano) 500 1 500

PVC Pipe 30 1 30

Capacitors 200 1 200

Windings 100 3 300

Total Parts Cost ($) 1040

4.3 Total Cost

Labor 0 Rs

Parts 1040 Rs

Grand Total 1040 Rs