Unique Launcher Ideas for Lisa's Physics Project

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Lisa.de.Vries
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SUMMARY

Lisa's physics project requires a unique launcher design for launching arrows, darts, or marbles at variable angles. Suggestions include using compressed air, a compressed spring, or a vacuum shooter, which creates a vacuum in front of the barrel to facilitate launching. Additionally, a Rube Goldberg-style mechanism involving a hamster raising a weight to drop onto a see-saw was proposed. The discussion highlights the need for innovative approaches beyond traditional launchers like crossbows or catapults.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles related to projectile motion
  • Familiarity with compressed air systems
  • Knowledge of vacuum mechanics
  • Experience with Rube Goldberg machine concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and mechanics of vacuum shooters
  • Explore the principles of compressed air propulsion systems
  • Investigate Rube Goldberg machine designs for creative launching mechanisms
  • Learn about Gauss rifles and their applications in launching projectiles
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, educators, and hobbyists interested in innovative physics project designs, particularly those focused on unique launching mechanisms.

Lisa.de.Vries
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Hi there!

My name is Lisa, and I live in the Netherlands (where school has already begun 2 weeks ago ). I have a pretty urgent question concerning a physics project. I need to think of a certain construction which launches an arrow/ dart arrow / marble from a variable angle.
It's very important that the launcher uses a unique technique (not such as a crossbow, catapult, waterrocket etc). I really don't know a lot about launching items and here in the Netherlands I could not find a book/ site with hints. Do you have any suggestions?

Many thanks! :biggrin:

Lisa de Vries
 
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Compressed air would work, so would a compressed spring.
 
create a vacuum shooter. Create a vacuum in front of the barrel, and to fire, let air in from the gun barrel and get it the hell out of the way.
 
I like the idea of having a hampster in a cage raise a weight, which drops on a see-saw to fling the marble. But I'm not sure how to make the release mechanism for the weight offhand.

Anyway, that's all that comes to mind for me - "Rube Goldberg".
 

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