Build Pop Can Catapult: 10m High, 15m Far w/ High School Physics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on building a pop can catapult capable of launching a 354ml aluminum can to a height of 10 meters and a distance of 15 meters. The user seeks assistance in calculating the necessary dimensions and angles for the catapult's arm, which will be constructed primarily from wood and utilize a steel rod for support. The user has considered using bungee cords instead of rubber bands for propulsion and emphasizes the need for a design that is portable enough to fit in a car trunk. The user expresses a willingness to resort to trial and error if precise calculations cannot be determined.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with catapult design and mechanics
  • Knowledge of materials suitable for building a catapult (wood, steel, bungee cords)
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations for angles and distances
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of projectile motion to determine launch angles and distances
  • Explore catapult design tutorials, particularly those focused on portable models
  • Learn about the properties and applications of bungee cords in mechanical designs
  • Investigate safety measures for launching projectiles outdoors
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, educators, and students interested in physics projects, particularly those focused on mechanical engineering and design principles related to catapults.

George Mihaylov
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Hello everyone.
Not only that I only have High school physics but I don't even remember most of the physics I learned in high school, so when the idea of creating a pop can (354ml aluminium can) launching catapult that can launch the can at a 10 meter height and 15 meters far came into my head I quickly realized that projects its going to be above my capabilities. So I googled around and came across some pictures of catapult designs that might do the job but I still need help with the calculating the dimensions of the thing that's why I registered here to see if someone might want to help me with that.

This is the design I like because I have all the tools to work with wood and I can replace the rubber bands with Bungee cord, but this is obviously too small and I have no Idea how to calculate the angle that I need to stop the arm at or how long the arm needs to be to achieve my goal of 10 meters high and 15 meters far.

catapul2.gif


In summary I want to build a catapult that will:

Use 354ml pop cans as AMMO
Shoot the pop can 10 meters high at its Peak
Shoot the pop can 15 meters far (While being 10 meters high)
Be made mostly out of wood (except the steel rod that will go through the arm)

Thank you very much in advance.
 
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Thank you for replying and the suggestion. Yes I looked those up and I couldn't find anything that is not too complicated or too big for my needs. I forgot to mention that I need this catapult to be easily transported in the trunk of a car if that's possible. I really hope that the design I found will do the job, because I think it's easy to build, but not being able to calculate what dimensions and angles I need to use is where I am stuck. I don't want to build it two or more times, but if everything else fails I will try the Trial and Error method. :smile:
 
Are the cans full or empty? Hopefully empty - a full can would be dangerous.
 
Full cans. The catapult will be used only outdoors and in a very safe manner. :)
 

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