Post by peasant on Nov 20, 2023 11:40:00 GMT
So, I was wondering about how long it would take for a projectile shot out of a railgun to cool as they travel in the cold vastness of space. Turns out, a freaking long time!
Here is an example with a 10g copper sphere (12.9mm in diameter). After flying for 30 seconds it's still very hot. This is bad, as the hotter it is, the easier it will vaporize on impact with the whipple shield of the target.
Try it out yourself: www.desmos.com/calculator/grgkyw08aj
Data on specific heat capacities of some materials which can be used in railgun projectiles: www.engineersedge.com/materials/specific_heat_capacity_of_metals_13259.htm
Here is an example with a 10g copper sphere (12.9mm in diameter). After flying for 30 seconds it's still very hot. This is bad, as the hotter it is, the easier it will vaporize on impact with the whipple shield of the target.
Try it out yourself: www.desmos.com/calculator/grgkyw08aj
Data on specific heat capacities of some materials which can be used in railgun projectiles: www.engineersedge.com/materials/specific_heat_capacity_of_metals_13259.htm
