Building a Straw & Tape Contraption to Save Eggs

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on designing a contraption using 50 non-bendable drinking straws and one meter of tape to protect a large egg from breaking upon impact when dropped from a third story. Participants emphasize the importance of combining two strategies: slowing the fall with a parachute and cushioning the impact. Suggestions include creating a teepee-shaped structure with straws to enclose the egg and allow for a gradual impact, thereby reducing the sudden stop that causes breakage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles related to impact and force.
  • Familiarity with materials and their properties, specifically non-bendable straws.
  • Knowledge of design principles for creating structures that absorb shock.
  • Experience with basic crafting techniques using tape and straws.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for creating effective parachute designs for slowing descent.
  • Explore various cushioning materials and their effectiveness in impact absorption.
  • Investigate structural design techniques for maximizing stability and shock absorption.
  • Learn about the physics of free fall and impact forces to better understand the challenges involved.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for educators, students in physics or engineering, and hobbyists interested in hands-on projects involving design and impact mitigation techniques.

DaveDanClay
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We are building a contraption out of 50 drinking straws (non bendable) and one meter of tape that will stop one large egg from breaking on impact. It will be dropped from a third story.

We would sincerely appreciate some design input, as we have already lost 7 eggs to my front walkway.
 
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It's not the fall, but the sudden stop at the end.

There are two common tactics for reducing the sudden-ness of the stop:

Slowing the fall (parachute) and slowing the impact (cushioning). You're probably best off with a combination of the approaches.
 
how about cheating and boiling the egg...:wink:
 
use a drag affect(parachute) so that you KNOW which specific side it will land on, then design something that delays the time of impact, ie straws that are shaped like a teepee, enclosing the egg at the top, and letting the bottom on impact flower out as it lands...
 

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