2009/03/09 by Carl E. Mungan · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · Engineering · #Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies #Sports Dynamics and Biomechanics #Physics #Ballistics #Internal ballistics #Muzzle #Muzzle velocity #Mechanics #Classical mechanics #Theoretical physics #Aerospace engineering #Mechanical engineering #Projectile #Engineering #Quantum mechanics
paper · doi:10.1088/0143-0807/30/3/003
openalex publication_date 2009/03/09 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Basic laws of thermodynamics and mechanics are used to analyse an air gun. Such devices are often employed in outdoor physics demonstrations to launch potatoes using compressed gas that is here assumed to expand reversibly and adiabatically. Reasonable agreement is found with reported muzzle speeds for such homebuilt cannons. The treatment is accessible to undergraduate students who have taken calculus-based introductory physics.