Calculating Drag Force and Spin for a Ping Pong Ball Launcher

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the challenges faced in building a ping pong ball launcher, particularly regarding the effects of air pressure and drag force. A dynamic pressure of 6 bar is considered significant enough to likely cause the ping pong ball to blow back out of the 40mm tube rather than drop in. Calculating the drag force on the ball is essential for determining its range and trajectory, especially when accounting for spin. Participants inquire about the possibility of incorporating spinning effects into calculations and whether there is a standard integral for calculating drag at various velocities. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities of fluid dynamics in relation to the design of the launcher.
chris_tams
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Hi there. I'm at bath uni. Our group is building a ping pong ball launcher. Here are some issues we encountered.

If the ball is to drop vertically into a 40mm tube with air flowing at 6bar(does this mean anything?) will it drop in or will it blow back out.

Also I'm not to sure how to calculate the drag force on the TT ball through the air. I need to calculate its range and trajectory. Obviously this will change when spinning. Is it possible to take spinning into account on paper?

Is there a standard integral i need to calculate the drag at each velocity?

Any help will do.

Thanks
 
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chris_tams said:
Hi there. I'm at bath uni. Our group is building a ping pong ball launcher. Here are some issues we encountered.

If the ball is to drop vertically into a 40mm tube with air flowing at 6bar(does this mean anything?) will it drop in or will it blow back out.

Also I'm not to sure how to calculate the drag force on the TT ball through the air. I need to calculate its range and trajectory. Obviously this will change when spinning. Is it possible to take spinning into account on paper?

Is there a standard integral i need to calculate the drag at each velocity?
A dynamic pressure of 6 bar is huge so I have no doubt the ping pong ball will blow back out. I think you could blow through the tube and blow the ball out. I don't see how you could calculate it on the information provided.

AM
 
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