How Can You Build an Effective Air Cannon to Extinguish Candles from a Distance?

[hamilton4prez]

Physics air cannon project

task: Extinguish candles on tables using a vortex ring launcher/ air cannon

rules: No dimension over .305 m
cannon is placed 1-6 m from target
*no foreign objects may be used to help it fire
6 candle targets at increments of 1 meter distancing away from the cannon
30 seconds to extinguish each target
must propel vortex ring of air at the target
*no commmercially made devices
*no explosive substances
*no cartridges or compressed air
*no electricity


although i have a basic understanding of this assignment, i am curious to hear suggestions and hints from brains more intelligent and experienced than mine have to offer. How yould you approach your model? What materials would you use? What is the most efficient method that follows under the guidelines listed above? Please help, my physics grade depends on it.
I have gone through basic trash can and coffee can models, but these seem to be cliche and mediocre.
Thank you!

 

[berkeman]

Physics air cannon project

task: Extinguish candles on tables using a vortex ring launcher/ air cannon

rules: No dimension over .305 m
cannon is placed 1-6 m from target
*no foreign objects may be used to help it fire
6 candle targets at increments of 1 meter distancing away from the cannon
30 seconds to extinguish each target
must propel vortex ring of air at the target
*no commmercially made devices
*no explosive substances
*no cartridges or compressed air
*no electricity


although i have a basic understanding of this assignment, i am curious to hear suggestions and hints from brains more intelligent and experienced than mine have to offer. How yould you approach your model? What materials would you use? What is the most efficient method that follows under the guidelines listed above? Please help, my physics grade depends on it.
I have gone through basic trash can and coffee can models, but these seem to be cliche and mediocre.
Thank you!

Welcome to the PF.

How can you do this without compressing air? Do they allow you to pump it up?

Can you detail some of the solutions you have looked at so far? What do you want to improve on?

 

[Beaker87]

It sounds like you want to build something similar to the "Airzooka Air Gun"

This can be made with a trash bag, some rubber bands, and a barrel of any kind.


I think that a traffic cone with the end cut off would make a pretty neat looking barrel.


I hope this helps,
Beaker87

 

[hamilton4prez]

Thank you very much beaker87! Very appreciated

 

[rwisz]

I would approach this project by first considering the physics principles involved. In this case, we are dealing with the transfer of energy from air to the candles in order to extinguish them. This can be achieved by using a vortex ring launcher or air cannon, which creates a vortex ring of air that can travel through the air and reach the candles.

In terms of materials, I would suggest using a PVC pipe as the main body of the cannon, as it is lightweight and easy to work with. For the propulsion of the vortex ring, a balloon can be used as it can be easily inflated and released to create the air burst needed. Other materials that may be useful include rubber bands, tape, and a valve or trigger mechanism to control the release of the air burst.

To meet the guidelines of the project, it is important to keep the dimensions of the cannon under 0.305 m and to not use any foreign objects to help it fire. This can be achieved by using a simple design and avoiding any additional components that may not be allowed.

In terms of efficiency, it may be helpful to experiment with different sizes and shapes of the vortex ring launcher to find the most effective one. Additionally, adjusting the distance of the cannon from the target and the angle at which the vortex ring is released can also affect its efficiency.

Overall, the key to a successful physics air cannon project is to understand the principles involved and to experiment with different designs and materials to find the most efficient one that meets the guidelines provided. Good luck with your project!