Air Cannon School Project Firing Paper Projectile

In summary, the author is considering ways to improve the muzzle velocity of a paper air cannon by using pressure or air volume, and by using a larger or smaller caliber gun. They suggest brushing up on fluid dynamics and designing a test plan to determine the best design.
  • #1
Iant720
1
0
Hey guys building an air cannon for class that shoots a wad of paper from a normal sheet of 8.5/11 paper will be dry. Question is... Is Psi more important or CFM with this light weight projectile?
Plan on building from PVC, can do 100psi easy.
Plan on using a diaphragm valve with a solenoid for fast opening.
What about using a plunger to compress the air like an air rifle?
Barrel will be around 18", 3/4 OD PVC
Sound good? Got any ideas? Love to hear your input :)
 
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  • #2
What you seem to be concerned with here is muzzle velocity. (I don't know how important accuracy or other considerations are.) Safety is always a consideration as well. (No high pressure plungers, they can explode and can be a fire hazard with paper dust.)

Pressure is only useful to get fluid (air) speed. Air volume is needed (at least for muzzle velocity) to accelerate the paper. So you need a balance. (Given the added effect a large volume of air might have in carrying the paper past the muzzle, you might want to err on the side of more volume than pressure.)

Another consideration is gun caliber.

So you might want to brush up on acceleration equations. Fluid dynamics would be a nice addition but may be beyond high school level. (I don't know it myself,as an electrical engineer.) But best of all would be to design a proper test plan to see what actually works. Run the tests, get numbers, and choose a final design. With foresight and good records this could serve as one or several science projects at a later date.

To make a science project you would need to start with an hypothesis. (Ex. "Tighter muzzle fit increases [or decreases] range variability in crumpled paper projectiles.") The foresight comes in designing the test plan to collect the data you would need. Who knows, you might even publish and win an Ig Noble Prize.
 

1. How does an air cannon work?

An air cannon uses compressed air to create a high-pressure environment inside a chamber. When the valve is opened, the air rushes out of the chamber, pushing the projectile forward with great force.

2. What materials are needed to make an air cannon?

To make an air cannon for a school project, you will need PVC pipes, a valve, a bicycle pump or air compressor, and some basic tools like a saw and drill. You will also need a projectile, such as a paper ball or foam ball.

3. How much force can an air cannon generate?

The amount of force generated by an air cannon depends on the pressure of the compressed air and the size of the chamber. A small air cannon may generate around 20 pounds of force, while a larger one can generate over 100 pounds of force.

4. Is it safe to use an air cannon for a school project?

As with any science experiment, safety precautions should be taken when using an air cannon. Make sure to wear safety goggles and follow all instructions carefully. It is also important to use appropriate materials and have adult supervision.

5. What are some variables that can affect the distance the projectile travels?

The distance the projectile travels can be affected by various factors, such as the amount of compressed air, the size and weight of the projectile, and the angle at which the cannon is fired. Other variables like wind and surface friction can also impact the distance.

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