How Much PSI Is Needed to Launch a Fishing Lure 38.5 Meters with an Air Cannon?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on calculating the necessary PSI to launch a 1/4 oz fishing lure 38.5 meters using an air cannon. The user successfully launched the lure 31.4 meters with 100 PSI, achieving an initial velocity of 17.54 m/s. To reach the desired distance, adjustments in launch angle and barrel length are suggested, as well as considering the lure's sealing properties and potential use of a sabot. The maximum pressure for amateur systems is noted to be 100 PSI.

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  • Understanding of projectile motion and range calculations
  • Familiarity with air cannon mechanics
  • Knowledge of pressure measurement in PSI
  • Basic principles of drag and its effects on projectile flight
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  • Research the physics of projectile motion and the range formula
  • Explore the effects of drag on projectile trajectories
  • Investigate the design and optimization of air cannon barrels
  • Learn about the use of sabots in projectile launching systems
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This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists building air cannons, physics students studying projectile motion, and anyone interested in optimizing the performance of launching mechanisms.

GinaMitchell
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Homework Statement
Hi - I built an air cannon to launch a fishing lure for my science fair project. The air cannon launched a 1/4 oz lure 31.4 meters. Based on this, I calculated the initial velocity to be 17.54 m/s using the formula for range of a projectile. I want to be able to launch the lure 38.5 meters. I am trying to figure out how much PSI I would need to launch it 38.5 meters. Does anyone know an equation I can use to predict this? I used 100 PSI to launch it 31.4 meters. The barrel of the air cannon is 25 inches.
Relevant Equations
range of a projectile
Hi - I built an air cannon to launch a fishing lure for my science fair project. The air cannon launched a 1/4 oz lure 31.4 meters. Based on this, I calculated the initial velocity to be 17.54 m/s using the formula for range of a projectile. I want to be able to launch the lure 38.5 meters. I am trying to figure out how much PSI I would need to launch it 38.5 meters. Does anyone know an equation I can use to predict this? I used 100 PSI to launch it 31.4 meters. The barrel of the air cannon is 25 inches.
 
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I would first look at small changes in angle (45 deg might not be optimal when drag is included) and small changes to barrel length. This would be interesting data and you might be surprised. Is the lure "self sealing" in the barrel? How about a sabot? 100psi is the typical max for an amateur system.
 
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