Unique Launcher Ideas for Lisa's Physics Project

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Lisa.de.Vries
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around unique launcher ideas for a physics project, specifically focusing on constructions that can launch an arrow, dart, or marble from a variable angle. Participants are exploring unconventional techniques, avoiding traditional launchers like crossbows or catapults.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest using compressed air or a compressed spring as potential launching mechanisms.
  • One idea proposed is to create a vacuum shooter that generates a vacuum in front of the barrel, allowing air to rush in and propel the projectile.
  • A participant references a Gauss rifle as a possible launcher design, providing a link for further exploration.
  • Another suggestion involves a Rube Goldberg-style mechanism, where a hamster raises a weight that drops onto a see-saw to launch the marble, although there is uncertainty about how to create the release mechanism for the weight.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing ideas without reaching a consensus on a single approach. The discussion remains open-ended with various suggestions being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided detailed specifications or limitations for the launchers, and there may be unresolved questions regarding the feasibility of the proposed mechanisms.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or hobbyists interested in physics projects, particularly those seeking innovative ideas for launching mechanisms.

Lisa.de.Vries
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Hi there!

My name is Lisa, and I live in the Netherlands (where school has already begun 2 weeks ago ). I have a pretty urgent question concerning a physics project. I need to think of a certain construction which launches an arrow/ dart arrow / marble from a variable angle.
It's very important that the launcher uses a unique technique (not such as a crossbow, catapult, waterrocket etc). I really don't know a lot about launching items and here in the Netherlands I could not find a book/ site with hints. Do you have any suggestions?

Many thanks! :biggrin:

Lisa de Vries
 
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Compressed air would work, so would a compressed spring.
 
create a vacuum shooter. Create a vacuum in front of the barrel, and to fire, let air in from the gun barrel and get it the hell out of the way.
 
I like the idea of having a hampster in a cage raise a weight, which drops on a see-saw to fling the marble. But I'm not sure how to make the release mechanism for the weight offhand.

Anyway, that's all that comes to mind for me - "Rube Goldberg".
 

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