Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug G
For lubricant I've found the best solution was to dump about a half gallon of water in the bottom of the barrell and then place water balloon(s) inside. When the cannon fires the incompressability of the water around the water balloons keeps them from popping on the way through the barrell. Using this method with LARGE storage tanks and a long barrell results in some incredible distances. The first time we tried this at my house, I figured the balloons might make it to my neighbor's house across the street (he was in on it), instead they flew over his tree, over his house, over the house behind his and hit in the street in front of that house. Incredible. Unfortunately the canon now sits on top of a robot and I don't dare let the student's launch water balloons until it's adequately waterproofed.
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Great idea! The water probably also helps with an air-tight seal around the balloon as it's fired so almost no pressure is wasted.