Because the projectile passes in front of a board with 10cm increments on it (1), the velocity of the projectile can easily be determined by reviewing the high speed footage. A large current passes through the rails, which should result in a force of the projectile (as explained in ‘Concept’). At this point the circuit is complete, and the capacitors discharge. Eventually the projectile comes into contact with the conductive aluminium rails (3). Air flows through the hose (17), into the rail gun, which pushes the projectile forwards. The ball valve is opened by hand as quickly as possible. The camera (15) is made to begin recording at 120fps. The ball valve of the pressure chamber (6) is closed, and 20 psi is pumped into the chamber as measured by the pressure valve. When the capacitors reach the desired voltage as measured by the voltmeter (5), switch 1 (13) is pressed to stop the charging.
When the power supply is switched on, it places a voltage across the capacitors which the capacitors store. The DC power supply (10) is connected to the capacitor banks. With the projectile in this position the railgun is circuit is not complete, allowing the capacitors to be charged. I also wrote this quick explanation for my science fair if anyone wants it: How it works The aluminium projectile is pushed down the barrel, in between the two fake Perspex rails (4).
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