Can an Orange Break Through 1/2" Drywall?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter claegreid
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of throwing an orange through a 1/2" sheet of drywall, with participants exploring the physics involved in such a dynamic scenario. The scope includes theoretical calculations, experimental considerations, and practical implications of the claim.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the strength of 1/2" drywall is relatively low, especially if the orange is frozen.
  • Another points out that if a skilled pitcher or bowler were to throw the orange, it could reach speeds exceeding 90 mph upon impact.
  • There is a suggestion to research the impact properties of drywall, with a reference to a document discussing drywall strength.
  • A participant raises the concern that the orange might disintegrate due to acceleration or air turbulence before gaining enough momentum to penetrate the drywall.
  • Questions are posed regarding the conditions of the experiment, such as whether the drywall is freestanding or secured to studs.
  • One participant humorously suggests building a cannon if human strength is insufficient to achieve the task.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of the claim, with some supporting the idea that it could be possible under certain conditions, while others remain skeptical. No consensus is reached regarding the outcome of the experiment.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the Effective Modulus of Rupture (MOR) for drywall and the conditions under which the experiment would be conducted, indicating potential limitations in the discussion.

claegreid
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OK, PF, I have an argument to settle and I need some expert advice.
A friend of mine claims that it is possible to throw an orange through a 1/2" sheet of drywall (gypsum board); several other friends refute his claim. I would like to do the math to prove/disprove the theory, but my line of work doesn't give me a lot of practice with the physics of such dynamic elements.

Question to the forum: how would I go about setting up an equation solve for this problem.

Thanks in advance!
 
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Why don't you just give it a try?
 
Khashishi said:
Why don't you just give it a try?

That's the next step. But if I find out how much force is necessary and it is more than a human arm can supply, then I will have to build a cannon of sorts to achieve what man cannot. :biggrin:
 
claegreid said:
OK, PF, I have an argument to settle and I need some expert advice.
A friend of mine claims that it is possible to throw an orange through a 1/2" sheet of drywall (gypsum board); several other friends refute his claim. I would like to do the math to prove/disprove the theory, but my line of work doesn't give me a lot of practice with the physics of such dynamic elements.

Question to the forum: how would I go about setting up an equation solve for this problem.

Thanks in advance!

1/2" drywall is not very strong. Especially if you freeze the orange first... :smile:
 
berkeman said:
Especially if you freeze the orange first... :smile:

And don't forget that if a baseball pitcher or a cricket fast bowler did the experiment, the orange would hit the drywall traveling at more than 90 mph.
 
Perhaps google for the impact properties of drywall. If you can't find them you will have to do the experiment.
 
Don't try this at home, folks!
 
claegreid said:
That's the next step. But if I find out how much force is necessary and it is more than a human arm can supply, then I will have to build a cannon of sorts to achieve what man cannot. :biggrin:

Uh, this seems to be outside the conditions of the OP... ? I refer to the word "throw"...
 
The question becomes one of whether the orange will fly apart from the acceleration or air turbulence before it gets enough momentum to break the drywall.

http://www.gypsum.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/GA-235-10.pdf talks about drywall strength.
I'd have to learn more about the methods used for measurement of Effective Modulus of Rupture (MOR) per ASTM C 1396 to understand how to apply the numbers.

Are you considering a freestanding 4x8 sheet? or one nailed to 17" studs?
 
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  • #10
Only somewhat related, but I love this movie of a cannon firing a 2x4 through a brick wall.

 
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