UMDL 2B30.70 - Ping Pong Vacuum Cannon

Assembly Print

Assembly Instructions

Equipment List

Vacuum cannon assembly

Vacuum pump

empty 12 oz pop can

4" packing tape

Ping Pong ball

Tape break hammer

2 squeezee clamps

Instructions
Set up vacuum cannon as per the pictures. Make sure that the tape is firmly sealed on both ends and that the tape hammer is readily available. Before pumping down the canon assure that both catcher assemblies are loaded and ready to receive the ball. Pump down the barrel to 27.5 inches of Mercury or greater. Close the valve on the cannon. Immediately strike the tape on the Ping Pong ball end of the barrel with the tape hammer, this will allow atmospheric pressure to enter the barrel and propel the ping pong ball on a sudden impulse of air. Although it is unlikely that the maximum velocity will be acheived, an upper limit has been calculated at just below the velocity of sound in air, from 0 to 287 m/s in the space of 60 inches. NOTE: Due to the posibility of Humidity levels interfering with the proper functioning of the equipment.... be sure to bake the freezer paper end plates at 225 F for 10 minutes.