Projectile Measurements: RPM, Position, Velocity, acceleration

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on measuring the velocity, position, and RPM of a BB fired from an airsoft gun, specifically within the range of 350-550 fps. The proposed method involves using a high-speed camera with distance and elevation markers to calculate velocity over time and position over time by averaging measurements taken at set distances. For RPM measurement, the discussion suggests marking the BB's "equator" and counting rotations using the high-speed camera. Alternative measurement methods mentioned include sonic rangefinders, radar, and infrared lasers.

PREREQUISITES
  • High-speed camera operation and analysis
  • Understanding of external ballistics principles
  • Basic physics of motion and kinematics
  • Measurement techniques for rotational motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research high-speed camera settings for accurate motion capture
  • Learn about external ballistics and its applications in projectile motion
  • Explore the use of sonic rangefinders for precise distance measurement
  • Investigate radar technology for measuring velocity and position
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, engineers, hobbyists in airsoft, and anyone interested in projectile motion analysis and measurement techniques.

petitericeball
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
Hello everybody,

I'm working on a project and I want to verify a few theories I have. I'm unfamiliar with equipment for taking these types of measurements, so I wanted a little bit of help on this. Basically a bb is fired from an airsoft gun (350-550 fps), and I want to find the velocity/time, position/time, and initial muzzle rpm out of the barrel. Here is the setup I have in mind, but there has to be a better way.

Using a high speed camera, you have distance and elevation markers. To compensate for the angle which would cause error in the height measurement, the camera would be placed at the focus of a curved "marker", and the marker will serve as a distance marker as well. The camera will be moved after a set of shots at a certain distance, the average will be taken, and the velocity will be calculated by taking the time between markers. Then plot, fit, and there is the velocity/time and position/time graphs.

For RPM, it seems that you'd need to mark out the "equator" on the bb, and count the number of rotations per second using the high speed camera.

Anyways, how are these measurements normally done? Sonic rangefinders for position, then take the derivative for velocity? Radar for velocity/position? Infrared laser for rpm?

Thanks for the help guys!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
What will get you on the right track...look up (EXTERNAL BALISTICS)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K