Backyard Railgun Test: Launching 250 lb Projectile at 27,000 Joules ⚡

This is the first test of the railgun. Launches at 27,000 joules are shown in my other videos with improved cable connections.\r<br>\r<br>The newly built railgun is field tested at 20,500 joules. It is the first mobile, shoulder mounted railgun.\r<br> *****DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME*****\r<br>\r<br>Notes: A railgun uses current to generate extreme magnetic fields that propel a conductive projectile to high speeds (iron is a poor conductor and therefore unsuitable). Aluminum has been the universal projectile choice for its low melting point, high boiling point, low mass, and high conductance.\r<br>\r<br>This was a fairly successful test- the clamps blew off 15 milliseconds AFTER the projectile had left the device. Further advances in the projectile design will allow more energy to be transmitted to the projectile.\r<br>\r<br>The kinetic energy is solely derived from electromagnetism-the CO2 is not great enough to overcome the friction of the rails! It is meant as a means of preventing intense heat and spot welding/rail erosion.\r<br>\r<br>There are 56 x 480 joule capacitors making up the power supply for a total weight of 200 lbs and 27,000 joules at 400 volts (20,500 at 350v). The railgun itself weights 50lbs.\r<br>\r<br>We did not get a velocity reading or even find the projectile.\r<br>\r<br>The flash of sparks is to be expected- a good railgun projectile glides along and melts- reducing friction- like butter on a hot pan.\r<br>\r<br>\r<br>\r<br>Heavy Action by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (\r<br>Artist: