Difference between revisions of "Pneumatic cannon"
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[[image:pneumatic ballvalve cannon.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Pneumatic ball valve cannon]] | [[image:pneumatic ballvalve cannon.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Pneumatic ball valve cannon]] | ||
| − | A '''pneumatic cannon''' is a cannon powered by pressurized gas, usually air or CO2. They are generally | + | A '''pneumatic cannon''' is a cannon powered by pressurized gas, usually air or CO2. They are generally more complicated to build than [[combustion cannon]]s, but using typical compressor pressures of 120 psig or so and a decent valve, they will likely outperform a combustion launcher of the same size. |
| + | |||
| + | ==Basic Elements== | ||
Pneumatic launchers consist of five basic elements: | Pneumatic launchers consist of five basic elements: | ||
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*[[Pressure gauge]] (for safety & repeatable launches) | *[[Pressure gauge]] (for safety & repeatable launches) | ||
| − | In order to fire, the operator loads a projectile into the barrel, fills the chamber with a compressed gas (air [[compressor]]s, hand | + | ==Operation & Theory== |
| + | |||
| + | In order to fire, the operator loads a projectile into the barrel, fills the chamber with a compressed gas (air [[compressor]]s, [[hand pump]]s, [[Pressure regulator|regulated]] [[gas bottles|bottled gas]], and 12 gram [[CO2 cartridge]]s are common filling methods), and activates the main valve thus dumping the air in the chamber to the barrel. | ||
The expansion of the compressed gas propels the projectile down the barrel. The barrel length determines the amount of energy transferred to the projectile and ultimately the velocity of the projectile. | The expansion of the compressed gas propels the projectile down the barrel. The barrel length determines the amount of energy transferred to the projectile and ultimately the velocity of the projectile. | ||
| − | + | Higher performance launchers use techniques such as: | |
| + | * Faster valve opening times - see [[sprinkler valve modification]] | ||
| + | * Higher flow valves to maximize the airflow through the valve | ||
| + | * Using higher gas pressures. | ||
| + | * Even better, all of the above! | ||
| + | |||
| + | Less common, but also effective in increasing power, some people will also use a gas with a higher speed of sound and particle speed (e.g. helium). | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Related Links== | ||
| − | + | Downloading the [[GGDT]] (Gas Gun Design Tool) is highly recommended to those interested in pneumatic launchers. | |
Revision as of 22:07, 15 February 2008
A pneumatic cannon is a cannon powered by pressurized gas, usually air or CO2. They are generally more complicated to build than combustion cannons, but using typical compressor pressures of 120 psig or so and a decent valve, they will likely outperform a combustion launcher of the same size.
Basic Elements
Pneumatic launchers consist of five basic elements:
- Compressed gas storage reservoir (chamber for short)
- Filling valve (bicycle Schrader valves, quick disconnects, etc.)
- Firing valve (ball valves, sprinkler valves, piston valves, bolt-style valves(see piston valves) quick-exhaust valves, and burst disks are the most common)
- Barrel
- Pressure gauge (for safety & repeatable launches)
Operation & Theory
In order to fire, the operator loads a projectile into the barrel, fills the chamber with a compressed gas (air compressors, hand pumps, regulated bottled gas, and 12 gram CO2 cartridges are common filling methods), and activates the main valve thus dumping the air in the chamber to the barrel.
The expansion of the compressed gas propels the projectile down the barrel. The barrel length determines the amount of energy transferred to the projectile and ultimately the velocity of the projectile.
Higher performance launchers use techniques such as:
- Faster valve opening times - see sprinkler valve modification
- Higher flow valves to maximize the airflow through the valve
- Using higher gas pressures.
- Even better, all of the above!
Less common, but also effective in increasing power, some people will also use a gas with a higher speed of sound and particle speed (e.g. helium).
Related Links
Downloading the GGDT (Gas Gun Design Tool) is highly recommended to those interested in pneumatic launchers.
