Constructing an Egg Drop Device with Limited Materials

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around designing an egg drop device using limited materials, specifically for a physics project where the egg must be dropped from a height of 30 feet. Participants explore various creative approaches and designs while adhering to the constraint of not using parachutes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests creating helicopter blades and using a modified paper water bomb with straws and paper bits as cushioning, expressing uncertainty about its effectiveness.
  • Another participant proposes rolling the paper into a cylinder around the egg and using straws as a spring for shock absorption, along with a fin tail for stabilization.
  • A question is raised about the size and type of paper allowed, as well as whether cutting the paper is permitted, suggesting that taping strips of paper together might help lower the egg safely.
  • One participant shares a past experience with a design that worked well, indicating it as a simple solution but notes potential risks associated with secondary impacts.
  • Another participant expresses gratitude for a design that worked well based on the initial ideas shared.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views and ideas regarding the design of the egg drop device, with no consensus reached on a single approach. Some ideas are shared based on past experiences, but uncertainty remains about their effectiveness in the current context.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific rules regarding the materials, such as the size of the paper and whether cutting is allowed, which may affect the proposed designs.

ReasonExcuse
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
in physics we have to drop an egg 30ft and the only materials we have is 60cm of half inch thick clear tape, three sheets of paper, and four straws I am thinking about making helicopter blades for it and putting it in a modded paper water bomb with straws and paper bits as cushions but idk if thatll work. open to ideas o and NO parachutes
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Rolling the paper into a cylinder around the egg, and putting a "spring" made of the straws under it might be a good shock absorber. Use the rest of the paper for a fin tail to stabilize it.

PHP: 
_____
\| |/
 |O|
 |S|
 \S/
 
ReasonExcuse said:
in physics we have to drop an egg 30ft and the only materials we have is 60cm of half inch thick clear tape, three sheets of paper, and four straws I am thinking about making helicopter blades for it and putting it in a modded paper water bomb with straws and paper bits as cushions but idk if thatll work. open to ideas o and NO parachutes

What size and type of paper, and are you allowed to cut it?
If it's 8.5x11 you may be able to tape strips of paper together and LOWER the egg to the ground :)

Shouldn't this thread be in the homework section?
 
attachment.php?attachmentid=47059&stc=1&d=1336428642.png
 

Attachments

  • eggdrop.png
    eggdrop.png
    6.6 KB · Views: 21,477
Last edited:
A.T. said:
attachment.php?attachmentid=47059&stc=1&d=1336428642.png

This design worked for me when I did this project 400 years ago. ;)
 
Chemicist said:
This design worked for me when I did this project 400 years ago. ;)
Seems like the simplest possible design given the materials. There might be a risk of failure during secondary impact if the tip is too stable and the cone falls over to one side after landing.
 
This one worked awesome with my base idea thanks
 

Similar threads

High School Egg drop with two straws and 3 sheets of paper
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
33K
High School Constructing the Perfect Egg Drop Device
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
High School Incredibly Difficult Egg Drop Challenge
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
9K
Egg Drop Project: Creative Designs with Limited Materials
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
High School What materials can be used in an egg drop challenge without tape or glue?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
How can I improve my egg drop design using limited materials?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What are some effective designs for an egg drop project using limited materials?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
High School Egg Drop project tips
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Egg Drop Project with Tiny Requirements
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
High School Can a Cone Save an Egg from a 15-Meter Drop?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
52K