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Unread 15-01-2014, 05:36
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MechE
AKA: Craig Rochester
FTC #8470 (Team Technado)
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Join Date: Jan 2012
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Re: Ball Flight Model

Putting all the mathematical modelling aside, I think team 1726 has demonstrated that the ball can be launched with pneumatic cylinders, and without springs or other energy storage:

2014 FRC 1726 Shooter Test 1 NERDS Pneumatic Catapault

Here's what I see:
  • This is a "rolling release" catapult. An improvement over cup type ball holder.
  • The linkage starts with a reverse leverage (better term ??) where the mechanical advantage decreases with rotation; as the piston extends, the moment applied by the rod decreases.
  • The small initial moment with the inertia of the ball/catapult-arm, allows the pressure to build in the cylinder.

Nice work N.E.R.D.S. !

Last edited by DavisDad : 15-01-2014 at 12:11. Reason: fixed "...moment applied by the rod increases."