All About Cannons

               A cannon is a piece of artillery than uses explosive- based propellants to launch a projectile. There are various types of cannons specialized in a task they are used for: range, mobility, rate of fire etc. The earliest known cannon was used as early as the 3rd century BC. Ever since, cannons have become more and more advanced and efficient in its design.

               Our latest project is to build a cannon using just 5 pop cans, duct tape, and 2 styrofoam cups. The goal is to maximize horizontal distance travelled by the cannon.

               The optimal angle to fire the cannon is 45 degrees. A 45 degree angle will ensure that there is a perfect balance between height and horizontal distance for maximum hang time and range. The base of the cannon should be stable so as not to backfire when the cannon-ball is launched. The mass of the cannon-ball should be minimal to maximize acceleration (F=ma). Something that is also important is that the cannon needs to build up as much pressure as possible within it before the fluid within it is lit. This can be achieved by increasing the surface area of the baffles and shaking the cannon well to achieve an even coating of ethanol over the entire surface area of the cannon. The cannon-ball should be tightly sealed to the cannon so none of the gas will be expelled before the lighting.