Egg Drop Lab Challenge: Achieving Controlled Crushability in 8cm

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SUMMARY

The Egg Drop Lab Challenge requires designing a device to drop an egg from 10 meters without cracking it, using a maximum container size of 8cm x 8cm x 8cm. Effective strategies include using a V-shaped styrofoam body to hold the egg, which tips over upon landing, and employing helium balloons to reduce descent velocity. The design must ensure that the egg remains contained during the drop and is released independently upon landing. Testing prototypes extensively is crucial for success.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, specifically force and energy absorption.
  • Familiarity with materials such as styrofoam and balloons for impact reduction.
  • Knowledge of design constraints, particularly dimensions and containment requirements.
  • Experience with prototyping and iterative testing methods.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of impact absorption and energy transfer in egg drop designs.
  • Explore advanced materials for cushioning, such as foam or gel packs.
  • Learn about parachute design and its effect on descent velocity.
  • Investigate successful egg drop project case studies for innovative design ideas.
USEFUL FOR

Students participating in science challenges, educators teaching physics concepts, and anyone interested in engineering design and prototyping techniques.

emma3001
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I have to do an egg drop lab (be able to drop an egg from 10m without it cracking) what should i use- toothpicks and glue for "controlled crushability". In other words, the egg would break the toothpicks when it lands so it would not crack. This sounds good but the problem is that the parameters of the container are only 8cm x 8cm x 8cm. Any amazing and ingenious ideas?!
 
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The crushable frame reduces the acceleration and thus force on the egg. The frame also absorbs some energy by deforming.

In addition, if one can employ a parachute to reduce the decent velocity, this would reduce the kinetic energy and the requirement on the deceleration.
 
haha. I did this in high school.

I used a V-shaped styrofoam body to hold the egg, and 4 helium balloons to reduce the velocity.

The twist was that the EGG MUST come out of the device and be on the floor independantly without being cracked. it was either 0% or 100%. I passed it. It worked.

the styrofoam was V-shaped so when it lands it tips over to one side and makes the egg roll out. I had to tape some paper on the sides to slow the egg from rolling out too fast.

We dropped it from the roof of our school.

have fun.

EDIT: oh in my experience with egg drop projects, I don't think a toothpick frame would work too well. test all your prototypes many many many times.
 
Last edited:
part of the problem is that the egg must be fully contained in a box or whatever-in other words the egg cannot leave a container when it is dropped. I've thought of attaching something like a balloon but it must be within the parameters of 8cmx8xcmx8cm.
 
Will an egg even fit in anything that's 8cm?
 

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