Title: penetrative power of different shaped projectiles

Abstract:

The purpose of this experiment was to test the penetrative power of different shaped projectile made from dowel by
seeing how many layers of A4 paper each projectile was able to penetrate, each projectile was launched with the
same power and distance from the target every time from a slingshot made from a balloon and a pringles can and
the mass of the projectiles was the same at 9 grams each. Each projectile was fired 3 times.

It was hypothesized that the projectile with the smallest point of impact would penetrate the most layers of paper as
it’s applying the force into a smaller area which increases its penetrative capabilities.

After all tests had been conducted the evidence supported the hypothesis that projectile 5 (see r5) would penetrate
the most layers of paper because of its smaller surface area on the point of contact as it went through far more
sheets of paper than the other projectiles. Other projectiles that had large surface areas on the point of contact
were shown to go through the least layers of paper.

Introduction:

This test is to see which of the different 9-gram projectiles will penetrate the most layers of A4 paper when launched
from a slingshot made from a balloon and a pringles can based on the shape of the projectile.

The hypothesis is that projectile 5 (see r5) with its sharper point will penetrate the most layers of paper as it has the
smallest point of contact meaning the force is applied to a smaller area allowing for greater penetration.

Materials list:

1 pringles can

1 balloon

5 projectiles each with a mass of 9 grams and with shapes corresponding with the projectiles in references r1, r2, r3,
r4, r5

sheets A4 paper

tape

safety goggles

Method: (including method and risk assessment)

risk assessment: there is the potential to get hit with the projectile

risk management: wear eye protection

1. Make the slingshot (see r7).

2. Add 1 layer of paper to the setup (see r6).
3. Load the slingshot with a projectile.
4. Set the end opposite the balloon flush against the paper.
5. Draw and fire the slingshot.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 until it stops penetrating and record the number it is able to penetrate.
7. Repeat steps 6 3 times for each projectile.
8. Graph the average for each projectile.
Results:

Discussion:

During testing no issues were encountered and everything went smoothly.

Something that could be improved is the setup for the paper as it was tedious sometimes to set up multiple sheets.

Based on the results other things that could be tested are a wider range of projectile shapes, how the angle of the
paper could affect the penetration, how distance to impact affects penetration.

Conclusion:

As shown in the results its clear that the hypothesis was supported and that projectiles with less surface area on the
point of contact will penetrate further than those with more surface area.

References:

r1:

projectile 1

r2:

projectile 2
r3:

projectile 3

r4:

projectile 4

r5:

projectile 5

r6:

paper taped up with empty space behind it.

r7:
to make the slingshot simply cut the bottom off the pringles can and wrap the balloon over the opening.