How Can You Design an Egg Protective Capsule with Cardboard and a Parachute?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter gibxam
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing a protective capsule for an uncooked egg to withstand a drop from 12 feet, utilizing cardboard or paper as the primary materials. The proposed design includes a parachute to enhance air resistance and reduce impact force on the egg. Suggestions include incorporating foam rubber for cushioning and using air-filled balloons for additional protection. The goal is to ensure the capsule is lightweight while fully enclosing the egg.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly air resistance and impact force.
  • Familiarity with materials such as cardboard and foam rubber.
  • Knowledge of parachute design and functionality.
  • Basic crafting skills for constructing the capsule.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective parachute designs for maximum air resistance.
  • Explore various cushioning materials, including foam rubber and air-filled balloons.
  • Investigate structural designs for lightweight yet sturdy capsules.
  • Learn about impact force calculations to optimize egg protection.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, educators, and hobbyists involved in engineering projects, particularly those focused on physics experiments and design challenges.

gibxam
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Hello I am going to be trying to make a capsule to protect an uncooked egg from being dropped from approximately 12 feet. There will be a parachute attached to the top when it is dropped. The capsule should be made of raw materiel such as card board or paper and no food products can be used. I am curious what kind of designs people may think will be best at protecting the egg. Note that it should be as light as possible and the egg must be fully covered. This is a rough idea that I had:
physics_capsule.jpg

The idea is that because the bottom is open it as well as the parachute will apply an increase in air resistance to help slow the capsule as well as add a large surface area to land on while also applying the least amount of force to the egg as possible.

Please feel free to let me know your thoughts on my design as well as one of your own. Thank you

-Max
 
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Foam rubber might be helpful.

Or, maybe glue 3 small air-filled balloons around the egg. At only 12-feet that should work.
 

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