COILGUN Meaning and
Definition
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A coilgun, short for electromagnetic coilgun, is a type of firearm that propels metallic projectiles at high velocities using the principles of electromagnetism. It is an electromagnetic launching system that works by utilizing the force generated by a series of electrically charged coils to accelerate a projectile along a barrel.
In a coilgun, a series of coils, usually made of copper or other conductive materials, are electrically energized in a sequential manner. Each coil produces a magnetic field when energized, repelling the projectile's magnetic material and propelling it forward. Once the first coil has propelled the projectile, it moves through the barrel and near the next coil, which energizes and adds additional velocity.
The strength and timing of the electrical current supplied to the coils determine the rate of acceleration and final velocity of the projectile. Powerful capacitors or batteries are typically used as the energy source to rapidly charge and discharge the coils in a fraction of a second.
Coilguns offer several advantages over conventional firearms, such as potentially higher muzzle velocities, longer effective ranges, and lack of recoil. However, they often require significant electrical power and precise control systems to operate effectively. Coilguns have found applications in research, military experiments, and science fiction, and they continue to be an area of active technological development.
Etymology of COILGUN
The word "coilgun" is a combination of two parts: "coil" and "gun".
"Coil" originates from the Old English word "coyl", which means a "rolling thing" or "curl". It is derived from the Latin word "columen", meaning "column" or "pillar". Over time, "coil" came to refer to something wound or arranged in a spiral or helical shape.
"Gun" comes from the Old Norse word "gunnr", which refers to a "battle" or "war". This word is also related to the Old Norse verb "gjǫra", which means "to make" or "to do". Eventually, "gun" began describing a weapon that projects projectiles by mechanical means.
When combined, "coilgun" refers to a type of electromagnetic projectile launcher that uses a series of coils to propel an object at high velocities.
