Michael Vaughan

C-Block

Another project I would like give a brief synopsis on would be the potato gun project. We started off by filling out charts for what we needed, safety instructions, and materials needed, and design steps. Again, we practiced our designing skills to begin this project and be on our way. To be specific, we used the program named SketchUp, which is a computer aided design program. The tutorial process for this program was rather lengthy and tough but, once we got the hang of it, it was extremely useful. With the program, we were able to construct our cannon down the specific measurements of each piece. For instance, we used a basic four and a half foot barrel and a two foot long combustion chamber with a 4 inch diameter. Once the SketchUp phase was done, it was time to buy the materials to build this cannon as a class. We went to the local Home Depot and bought the materials needed to build it, including two large PCP pipes. Then, we cut down the pieces to size, assembled the potato gun, and added some finishing touches. We spray painted the potato gun in with a camouflage color with leaves. This was a group project and I think that with the help of everybody in the class, we were able to construct a successful spud gun. On testing day, the gun managed to spit the potato past the football turf, landing approximately 150 yards away. I really had fun designing and shooting this cannon and I next time someone mentions a potato gun, I will brag about the one my class and I built in Engineering class. My advice for next year would be to get the okay from Mrs. Berry to have everyone in the class to get a turn shooting what they had helped design.