Can a Mattress Spring Increase Tennis Ball Launcher Velocity?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on building a tennis ball launcher that utilizes stored mechanical energy, similar to a mortar or cannon. The participants have experimented with various commercial springs but are struggling to achieve sufficient velocity for the tennis ball to exit the barrel. They are considering using a mattress spring and seek suggestions to enhance the launch velocity. Key considerations include reducing friction, decreasing mass, increasing the spring constant, and ensuring the ball fits properly within the tube to avoid air pressure issues. Overall, optimizing these factors is crucial for improving the launcher’s performance.
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Me and two friends need to build a tennis ball launcher using nothing but stored mechanical energy to propel it. Our concept is similar to a mortar or cannon. We tried some comercial springs from Home Depot and even a spring from inside a sprinkler head, but the tennis ball does not have enough velocity to even get out of the barrel. We are considering using a mattress spring, but need some ideas on how to increase the velocity. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.
 
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Think about reducing friction. If that doesn't help too much, the only options using a spring would be to reduce mass, increase spring constant, or compress the spring more. As you most likely know, this is due to:
F_{net}=ma and
F_{spring}=-kx
 
Last edited:
Is the spring end of tube open?
If not and the ball fits snugly in the tube, you have problems with air pressure.
 

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