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

  • Thread starter Thread starter George Mihaylov
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    Catapult
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and construction of a pop can catapult intended to launch a 354ml aluminum can to a height of 10 meters and a distance of 15 meters. Participants explore various design considerations, calculations for dimensions and angles, and safety aspects related to the use of full cans.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about their ability to calculate the necessary dimensions and angles for the catapult design.
  • Some participants suggest looking into existing designs, such as pumpkin catapults, as potential references.
  • The original poster emphasizes the need for a design that is not only effective but also portable enough to fit in a car trunk.
  • There is a concern raised about the safety of using full cans, with one participant questioning whether the cans would be full or empty.
  • The original poster confirms that the cans will be full but assures that the catapult will be used safely outdoors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for safety considerations regarding the use of full cans. However, there is no consensus on the specific calculations or design dimensions required to achieve the desired launch height and distance.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed calculations or established methods for determining the necessary angles and dimensions for the catapult, leaving these aspects unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY projects, physics enthusiasts, and those looking to understand the mechanics of catapult design may find this discussion relevant.

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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