Building an air cannon that shoots a wad of paper

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the initial velocity of a wad of paper shot from an air cannon. Key parameters provided include a weight of 4.5 grams, a maximum pressure of 150 PSI, a tank volume of 1.25 liters, and a barrel diameter of 1 inch. The user intends to use the initial velocity (Vi) to estimate the distance the projectile will travel. Additional information requested includes the barrel length for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, specifically projectile motion.
  • Familiarity with pressure calculations in pneumatic systems.
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics as it relates to air flow in barrels.
  • Basic mathematical skills for solving equations involving velocity and distance.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the ideal gas law to understand pressure-volume relationships in air cannons.
  • Learn about projectile motion equations to calculate distance based on initial velocity.
  • Explore the effects of barrel length on projectile velocity and accuracy.
  • Investigate safety measures when working with high-pressure systems like air cannons.
USEFUL FOR

Hobbyists building air cannons, physics students studying projectile motion, engineers designing pneumatic systems, and anyone interested in optimizing air-powered projectiles.

MechE1
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We are building an air cannon that shoots a wad of paper. I know the volume of the tank, the pressure of the tank, the size of the barrel, and the weight of the object. I need to know how to solve for initial velocity given this information. I will use the Vi to find the estimated distance.

Weight 4.5 grams
Max Pressure = 150 PSI
Tank Volume = 1.25 liters
Barrel Diameter = 1 inch

Do I need more information?

Thank you!
 
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Barrel length.
 

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