Pumpkin Chunkin on Science Channel

Meaningful discussion outside of the potato gun realm. Projects, theories, current events.
brogdenlaxmiddie
Corporal
Corporal
Posts: 562
Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:19 pm

Just a heads up, On the Science Channel, they're gonna have a whole show in regards to the latest Pumpkin Chunkin contest. Here's the link for their site - http://science.discovery.com/tv/punkin- ... about.html

For those who don't wanna check the link for times, PUNKIN CHUNKIN premieres Thursday, November 27 at 9 p.m. e/t on Science Channel and Science Channel HD.
User avatar
covey12
Specialist 2
Specialist 2
Posts: 260
Joined: Sat Aug 23, 2008 4:36 pm

wonder if anyone here is gonna take part in it?
User avatar
Fnord
First Sergeant 2
First Sergeant 2
Posts: 2239
Joined: Tue Feb 13, 2007 9:20 pm
Location: Pripyat
Been thanked: 1 time
Contact:

Kinda doubt it. Most here don't have that kind of budget. Where I work now, I could conceivably construct a decent-sized pumpkin gun without breaking the bank, but there's still the task of driving it to Delaware from Ohio.

Also, I have a feeling the gun I'd make would produce nothing but pumpkin-flavored mist.
Image
User avatar
starman
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
United States of America
Posts: 3027
Joined: Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:45 am
Location: Simpsonville, SC

_Fnord wrote:Kinda doubt it. Most here don't have that kind of budget. Where I work now, I could conceivably construct a decent-sized pumpkin gun without breaking the bank, but there's still the task of driving it to Delaware from Ohio.

Also, I have a feeling the gun I'd make would produce nothing but pumpkin-flavored mist.
Yeah these guys take this very seriously and have way too much extra money and time on their hands. They also limit the cannons to air powered only...no combustions or hybrid combustions...dang-it... :(

D_Hall's new toy may be able to compete. However, I've got to think that a burst disk valve of any sort is going to be just too much energy too fast for the pumpkin to survive the launch...as you say Fnord, pumpkin mist. Same thing happens to potatos on even a 1x combustion burst disk launch.
User avatar
FishBoy
Corporal
Corporal
Posts: 575
Joined: Tue May 27, 2008 5:51 am

_Fnord wrote: Also, I have a feeling the gun I'd make would produce nothing but pumpkin-flavored mist.
that's the thing, most of those guys use huge tanks, really long barrels and ball valves so they can accellerate the pumpkin more gradually than the explosion-like bursts we typically go for.
"You polish a turd, it's still a turd"

Remember DYI!!!
User avatar
psycix
Sergeant Major 4
Sergeant Major 4
Posts: 3684
Joined: Mon Jun 25, 2007 7:12 am
Location: The Netherlands

Condense the mist and you've got soup! :D

But indeed an interesting show to watch. We might learn a thing or two.
Thanks for posting borg.
Till the day I'm dieing, I'll keep them spuddies flying, 'cause I can!

Spudfiles steam group, join!
SEAKING9006
Corporal 3
Corporal 3
Posts: 734
Joined: Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:20 pm
Location: Texas

I saw a few of the giant air cannons, and as far as I know (which ain't much), I have no clue what valves they use. In the absence of a visible valve, I would assume they are using burst discs of some UNGODLY strength (aluminum sheets?), or have gigantic piston valves.

Honestly, these things are WICKED.
Completed projects:
CA1 SMSS Basic Inline
CA3 PDAB Airburst Cannon

Current Project: Bolt action rifle (25x140mm + 1in shot)
User avatar
frankrede
Sergeant Major 2
Sergeant Major 2
Posts: 3220
Joined: Thu Jul 20, 2006 9:47 pm
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 1 time

They use mechanically opened butterfly valves I believe.
Current project: Afghanistan deployment
User avatar
Hydra
Specialist
Specialist
Posts: 131
Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:58 pm
Location: New South Wales, Australia

They also use trebuchets, catapults and stuff haha!
About that pumpkin mist thing, They actually grow genetically modified pumpkins which are more aerodynamical and alot harder than normal pumpkins...
brogdenlaxmiddie
Corporal
Corporal
Posts: 562
Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:19 pm

Hydra wrote:They also use trebuchets, catapults and stuff haha!
About that pumpkin mist thing, They actually grow genetically modified pumpkins which are more aerodynamical and alot harder than normal pumpkins...
I'm pretty sure aerodynamical isn't a word :D
Post Reply

Create an account or sign in to join the discussion

You need to be a member in order to post a reply

Create an account

Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute

Register

Sign in

  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post