I need help from all you smart people out there - in physics class we are building melon launchers - what is the best way to make one that will travel the farthest distance - i saw the pumpkin launching show and i was wondering if compressed air was the best way?? please help asap!! thanks in advance

-- Nick Morris (Givedamony@aol.com), February 02, 2001

Answers

We need a little more information, what are the rules for your competition.

-- JustJay-Captain-Three Rusty Juveniles (justjay@neo.rr.com), February 02, 2001.

I think what would be best, is if you were to provide your thoughts on what you think might be a good way to launch it. And from there let us make suggestions.

I prefer this than to do someone's homework for them.

-- Donald Kichline (drkich@hotmail.com), February 02, 2001.

Air cannons are top dog at launching melons. They aren't cheap though, unless you have access to a good scrap place. You may want to check out: http://pub9.ezboard.com./fxinventionspneumaticcannons If you want to find out about catapults, see: Onager.net If you have to go with wood, see the " Catapults Message Board" www.trebuchet.com, and you will find plans there. After you do a little reasearch, I would be happy to help you with information. Waddy aka "Melon Musketeer" aka "Capt. Mayo." "Wreckspert" for the "Rusty Juveniles" Owner builder of the world's champion human powered punkin chunker "Acme Spooky Bazookey" 1334 ft shot with 2 minutes pumping time with one human power. Punkinchunkin.com

-- Waddy Thompson (cthomp3851@aol.com), February 02, 2001.

The rules of your competition will have a great deal to do with your decision,can you use an air compressor, springs,how much weight, how much can it weigh, etc.,etc.

-- JustJay-Captain-Three Rusty Juveniles (justjay@neo.rr.com), February 02, 2001.

The rules, will dictate your choice.

-- JustJay-Captain-Three Rusty Juveniles (justjay@neo.rr.com), February 02, 2001.

There is no "best way."

-- Eric (earsjohnson@usa.net), February 05, 2001.