Hydrogen Powered Mini?

Miniature guns are novelty custom, unique, and sometime downright crude! Common construction materials often include pill bottles or pens. Show us your work!
User avatar
KurlyQ
Private 2
Private 2
Posts: 20
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:29 pm

Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:38 am

So, I've been tossing the idea of making a hydrogen powered spud gun around in my head for a while, and I've even made a few prototypes, but they never seem to be reliable.
Making a mini cannon seemed to be my only reasonable way to go about this for three reasons:

1: less hydrogen takes less time to make
2: if a mini cannon explodes, it won't be as dangerous as a large one
3: I don't have much money to buy large parts

I use electrolysis to generate my hydrogen, just because it's easy, safe, cheap, and on demand.
The reason I'm posting here is that I'm looking for some ideas for materials to make a new and awesome cannon out of.
I have a quick picture below that outlines my current idea, but it needs some improvement.
Image

any ideas?
anything is welcome
User avatar
inonickname
First Sergeant 4
First Sergeant 4
Posts: 2606
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2008 3:27 am

Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:47 am

Oh god..I swear I've already done something that reminds me of this..

I'm going to say straight up, don't use plastic. Metals are the way to go, I used aluminum, brass and stainless on mine. I'd also recommend to not have the electrolysis system in your gun, as if it explodes it not only cuts you up, but you spill a caustic liquid on your hand. Also, the use of a decent electrolyte will result in corrosion of metal chambers.

Image

If you use metals that are vulnerable to hydrogen embrittlement then varnish your gun.
PimpAssasinG wrote:no im strong but you are a fat gay mother sucker that gets raped by black man for fun
User avatar
KurlyQ
Private 2
Private 2
Posts: 20
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:29 pm

Thu Jul 09, 2009 11:31 am

that's an awesome cannon. I'll have to look into getting some metal parts soon. thanks for the inspiration :D
jimmy101
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
United States of America
Posts: 3197
Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2007 9:48 am
Location: Greenwood, Indiana
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 15 times
Contact:

Thu Jul 09, 2009 2:04 pm

Might take a look at;
1. http://sci-toys.com/scitoys/scitoys/ech ... .html#bomb
2. google "Estes hydrogen rocket"
3. http://www.et.byu.edu/~wheeler/benchtop/pumpkin.php and http://www.et.byu.edu/~wheeler/benchtop/pumpkin2.php

In a gun, there are a couple challenges. Inonickname pointed out several of them. In addition, if the electrolysis is "on board" then you have problems keeping the spark (ignition) electrodes dry enough to operate. You also have to have a way to deal with the pressure build up that occurs as the hydrolysis progresses. Doesn't take much pressure to pop the ammo out'a tha barrel without even igniting the mixture.
Image
User avatar
inonickname
First Sergeant 4
First Sergeant 4
Posts: 2606
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2008 3:27 am

Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:52 am

Here's another hint: Fire it right after you fuel it, as hydrogen is happy to find any leak you never thought existed.
PimpAssasinG wrote:no im strong but you are a fat gay mother sucker that gets raped by black man for fun
Post Reply