Finding muzzle velocity using range and height of barrel

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the muzzle velocity of a projectile fired from an air cannon using the angle of the barrel, the height of the muzzle, and the distance traveled. The angle of the barrel is specified as 33.82 degrees, and the height is 1.13 meters. The equations provided include the total time of flight and the distance traveled, which are essential for rearranging to solve for the initial muzzle velocity (v0). The final solution involves substituting time into the distance equation to isolate v0 for implementation in an Excel spreadsheet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion equations
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts such as gravity (g = 9.8 m/s²)
  • Proficiency in using Excel for calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive projectile motion equations in physics
  • Study the application of trigonometric functions in real-world scenarios
  • Explore advanced Excel functions for solving equations
  • Investigate the effects of air resistance on projectile motion
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and hobbyists interested in projectile motion calculations, particularly those working with air cannons or similar devices.

physicsisrad
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Ok, so pretty much, I built an air cannon for my physics assignment. I need to determine the muzzle velocity. I know the angle of the barrel, the height of the muzzle about the ground and the distance the projectile covered. I fired projectile at multiple pressures in order to determine the effect of pressure of muzzle velocity. I am ignoring drag and friction for these equations.

Homework Equations


Let v0 = Initial muzzle velocity
o = angle of barrel = (33.82 Degrees if this is necessary)
Height of barrel = h = 1.13m

The Attempt at a Solution


Total time of flight= t = v0sin(o)/9.8^2+ (v0sin(o)^2/9.8^2 - 2*h/9.8)^0.5
Distance traveled = v0cos(o) * t
= v0cos(o) * (v0sin(o)/9.8^2+ (v0sin(o)^2/9.8^2 - 2*h/9.8)^0.5)
I need the rearrange this equation so v0 is the subject so I can implement this in an excel spreadsheet as I have literally hundreds of these to determine.

 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is your question?

If you are trying to find muzzle velocity, you have to solve these equations for time:

(1) x = v_0\cos\theta t

(2) y = v_0\sin\theta t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2

Find the muzzle velocity by substituting t into (1).

AM
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
27K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
40
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
44K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K