That's what I'm talk'in about: Supersonic Ping Pong ball gun

Feb. 4, 2013
The warning at the end of this clip, by Purdue University professor Mark French, is "Do not try this at home." Yeah, right. French and his ME students are demonstrating a de Laval nozzle using a Ping Pong ball. They launch the thing at supersonic ...

The warning at the end of this clip, by Purdue University professor Mark French, is "Do not try this at home." Yeah, right.

French and his ME students are demonstrating a de Laval nozzle using a Ping Pong ball. They launch the thing at supersonic speeds and, in so doing, impart enough force to blow a hole through a conventional Ping Pong paddle.

The paper describing their work is here: http://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1301/1301.5188.pdf

About the Author

Lee Teschler | Editor

Leland was Editor-in-Chief of Machine Design. He has 34 years of Service and holds a B.S. Engineering from the University of Michigan, a B.S. Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan;, and a MBA from Cleveland State University. Prior to joining Penton, Lee worked as a Communications design engineer for the U.S. Government.

Sponsored Recommendations

Safety Risk Assessment Guidelines for Automation Equipment

Dec. 20, 2024
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) covers the basics of risk assessments, including the goals of the assessment, gathering the right team to perform them, and several methodologies...

Safety Products Overview

Dec. 20, 2024
The collection of machine safeguarding devices from Schmersal include keyed interlocks, solenoid locks, safety sensors, limit switches, safety light curtains and more.

SAFER Workplace: Stop, Assess, Formulate, Execute, Review

Dec. 20, 2024
Our SAFER Workplace initiative promotes workplace safety, with a heightened focus on machine safety, to reduce the potential of near misses, accidents, and injuries. Behaving ...

The advantages of a Built-in Bluetooth Interface for Your Safety Light Curtains

Dec. 20, 2024
Safety Light Curtains with Bluetooth InterfaceGuido Gutmann, Key Account Manager, Optoelectronic Safety Devices, Schmersal Group, explains the advantages of ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!