Transcript File - Vortex Cannon
Slide 1
By Riley Hooper
Slide 2
Welcome to The Vortex Cannon. This is an
informative slide show detailing the research and
learning gained on the physics principles relating
to my project and applications based on vortexes.
Slide 3
At the beginning of this project, we had to gather information about 6 possible
final topics to use. My research was compiled on to my Symbaloo page. Some
of the first projects I considered were:
The Bicycle Wheel Gyroscope
Resonance Bowl
Newton's Cradle
Balloon Helicopter
Infinity Mirror, and
The Vortex Cannon
http://www.symbaloo.com/shared/AAAABr7nN-IAA42ACqy6Jg==
Slide 4
I am choosing to focus my project on the Vortex Cannon.
My project will be based on the demonstration as seen on
the Ellen Degeneres Show with Steve Spangler (Giant
Smoke Rings - Cool Science Experiment). I am interested
in this project because things like vortex cannons or air
guns seem trivial, but can have some in depth analysis
associated with them. My project will be fun, but it will
also be a learning experience as well. I chose this project
also because I wanted to learn more. I believed that the
physics at work in this project could be interesting and
challenging – which it was. Vortexes (and vortex cannons)
can be intriguing and informative! It is an interesting
project and that is why I picked it.
Slide 5
Fluid Dynamics: How a fluid travels
(Aerodynamics - the study of motion of air or
gases)
This project demonstrates a toroidal vortex. A
toroidal vortex looks a lot like a smoke ring when
generated and can travel for long distances. As the
membrane at the rear of the cannon excites the air
particles and pushes them outward, they displace
the air surrounding the hole outside of the
cannon. The surrounding air will then swirl in the
shape of a doughnut! This doughnut may travel
very long distances due to its swirling motion.
A toroidal vortex is different from the types of
vortexes you see in your sink or bathtub. The
motion of the fluid makes it different. Its spiraling
effect creates a stable motion which can carry the
vortex and keep its shape over time.
Slide 6
This project can somewhat relate to our Waves
and Sound unit. Recall that sound travels as a
longitudinal wave and is created by pressure
pushing air molecules and carrying sound waves.
This relates to vortexes like the ones I will create.
Toroidal vortices (Doughnut shaped air rings) form
from a combination of friction and pressure.
Pressure moves still air molecules through the hole
in the cannon. Air molecules all around the sides of
the group experience more friction than those in
the center of the mass due to the size of the circular
exit hole. This causes these molecules to move
slower than the rest and spin back on itself, rolling
the vortex into a doughnut shape. This doughnut
shaped vortex remains very stable and travels,
carrying either fog or smoke particles with it. This
is also similar to a longitudinal wave, as both travel
for very long distances. You may even hear a 'puff'
sound, which is caused by the pressure of moving
air molecules!
Slide 7
Battelle's vortex ring gun could deliver targeted dose of tear gas (article)
“Ohio-based research and development company Battelle has filed a patent application for a device that shoots out
rings of gas. Such a system could help riot police deliver a targeted dose of tear gas to particular individuals, or
firefighters to clear rooms filled with smoke.
Vortex guns have been around for years as toys and the US army has been investigating their use for non-lethal
crowd control, but Battelle's industrial version could have a range of commercial applications. The gun creates
vortex rings by forcing gas at high velocity down the gun's cylinder. The ring forms when the friction of the
cylinder wall causes a thin layer of gas to roll forward on itself like a donut. The ring revolves on itself while
travelling down and out of the barrel -- a little like a tornado formed into a ring shape. As the ring leaves the
chamber, the Battelle gun gives it a light electrical charge.
The donut shaped "smoke ring" can maintain stability for long distances -- Battelle estimates that a ring vortex can
maintain a speed of at least 60 miles per hour for more than 50 yards. The rings are stable even in a cross-wind.
Such a vortex could be used to deliver tear gas or pepper spray to a particular individual in a crowd, rather than
throwing a canister that would not only target a much wider group of people but is also a projectile that could also
injure someone.
Researcher Lynn Faulkner says that a vortex ring of ionised air could be used to clear smoke rapidly in a corridor or
hallway to allow fire fighters to see. Similarly it could be used to disperse pests. Faulkner said: "If I have a wasp nest
high up near the eave of my house I have to climb up there and spray. But with a vortex gun, I may be able to shoot
a vortex of air containing the pesticide and deliver it right on target."
There is no date for a commercial launch for the vortex gun yet. You can watch a video of the gun in
action though.”
-An article taken from http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-03/05/vortex-ring-gun
Slide 8
After completing this project, I am satisfied that I have learned
a little more about physics and the complicated principles of
fluid dynamics. I enjoyed the project overall and really liked
how I could use a website to follow it along. The actual device
was fairly simple and fun to use.
Final Questions:
How can vortexes be used to improve everyday life?
Can large scale vortexes have negative impacts on
environments?
What role do vortexes play in galaxy formations, and are they
similar to the vortexes I am creating?
How can other types of vortexes be demonstrated in smallscale?
Slide 9
A vortex of air knocks over two
Styrofoam cups.
Smoke rings!
A vortex hits the camera.
Slide 10
Bibliography
"Battelle's vortex ring gun could deliver targeted dose of tear gas." Wired UK. N.d. Web.
2 Jan. 2014.
"Fluid dynamics." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Aug. 2014. Web. 6 Nov. 2013.
"How vortex rings form." How It Works Magazine. N.d. Web. 27 Dec. 2013.
"Physics demonstrations: vortex cannon!" Skulls in the Stars. N.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2013.
"Physics in a Toroidal Vortex: Air Cannon." Physics Central. N.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2013.
“Sound is a Pressure Wave.” Sound is a Pressure Wave. N.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2014.
"Vortex." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Oct. 2014. Web. 10 Jan. 2014.
"Vortex Rings - Science Tricks - Surfing Scientist - The Lab." Vortex Rings - Science
Tricks - Surfing Scientist - The Lab. N.d. Web. 27 Dec. 2013.
By Riley Hooper
Slide 2
Welcome to The Vortex Cannon. This is an
informative slide show detailing the research and
learning gained on the physics principles relating
to my project and applications based on vortexes.
Slide 3
At the beginning of this project, we had to gather information about 6 possible
final topics to use. My research was compiled on to my Symbaloo page. Some
of the first projects I considered were:
The Bicycle Wheel Gyroscope
Resonance Bowl
Newton's Cradle
Balloon Helicopter
Infinity Mirror, and
The Vortex Cannon
http://www.symbaloo.com/shared/AAAABr7nN-IAA42ACqy6Jg==
Slide 4
I am choosing to focus my project on the Vortex Cannon.
My project will be based on the demonstration as seen on
the Ellen Degeneres Show with Steve Spangler (Giant
Smoke Rings - Cool Science Experiment). I am interested
in this project because things like vortex cannons or air
guns seem trivial, but can have some in depth analysis
associated with them. My project will be fun, but it will
also be a learning experience as well. I chose this project
also because I wanted to learn more. I believed that the
physics at work in this project could be interesting and
challenging – which it was. Vortexes (and vortex cannons)
can be intriguing and informative! It is an interesting
project and that is why I picked it.
Slide 5
Fluid Dynamics: How a fluid travels
(Aerodynamics - the study of motion of air or
gases)
This project demonstrates a toroidal vortex. A
toroidal vortex looks a lot like a smoke ring when
generated and can travel for long distances. As the
membrane at the rear of the cannon excites the air
particles and pushes them outward, they displace
the air surrounding the hole outside of the
cannon. The surrounding air will then swirl in the
shape of a doughnut! This doughnut may travel
very long distances due to its swirling motion.
A toroidal vortex is different from the types of
vortexes you see in your sink or bathtub. The
motion of the fluid makes it different. Its spiraling
effect creates a stable motion which can carry the
vortex and keep its shape over time.
Slide 6
This project can somewhat relate to our Waves
and Sound unit. Recall that sound travels as a
longitudinal wave and is created by pressure
pushing air molecules and carrying sound waves.
This relates to vortexes like the ones I will create.
Toroidal vortices (Doughnut shaped air rings) form
from a combination of friction and pressure.
Pressure moves still air molecules through the hole
in the cannon. Air molecules all around the sides of
the group experience more friction than those in
the center of the mass due to the size of the circular
exit hole. This causes these molecules to move
slower than the rest and spin back on itself, rolling
the vortex into a doughnut shape. This doughnut
shaped vortex remains very stable and travels,
carrying either fog or smoke particles with it. This
is also similar to a longitudinal wave, as both travel
for very long distances. You may even hear a 'puff'
sound, which is caused by the pressure of moving
air molecules!
Slide 7
Battelle's vortex ring gun could deliver targeted dose of tear gas (article)
“Ohio-based research and development company Battelle has filed a patent application for a device that shoots out
rings of gas. Such a system could help riot police deliver a targeted dose of tear gas to particular individuals, or
firefighters to clear rooms filled with smoke.
Vortex guns have been around for years as toys and the US army has been investigating their use for non-lethal
crowd control, but Battelle's industrial version could have a range of commercial applications. The gun creates
vortex rings by forcing gas at high velocity down the gun's cylinder. The ring forms when the friction of the
cylinder wall causes a thin layer of gas to roll forward on itself like a donut. The ring revolves on itself while
travelling down and out of the barrel -- a little like a tornado formed into a ring shape. As the ring leaves the
chamber, the Battelle gun gives it a light electrical charge.
The donut shaped "smoke ring" can maintain stability for long distances -- Battelle estimates that a ring vortex can
maintain a speed of at least 60 miles per hour for more than 50 yards. The rings are stable even in a cross-wind.
Such a vortex could be used to deliver tear gas or pepper spray to a particular individual in a crowd, rather than
throwing a canister that would not only target a much wider group of people but is also a projectile that could also
injure someone.
Researcher Lynn Faulkner says that a vortex ring of ionised air could be used to clear smoke rapidly in a corridor or
hallway to allow fire fighters to see. Similarly it could be used to disperse pests. Faulkner said: "If I have a wasp nest
high up near the eave of my house I have to climb up there and spray. But with a vortex gun, I may be able to shoot
a vortex of air containing the pesticide and deliver it right on target."
There is no date for a commercial launch for the vortex gun yet. You can watch a video of the gun in
action though.”
-An article taken from http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-03/05/vortex-ring-gun
Slide 8
After completing this project, I am satisfied that I have learned
a little more about physics and the complicated principles of
fluid dynamics. I enjoyed the project overall and really liked
how I could use a website to follow it along. The actual device
was fairly simple and fun to use.
Final Questions:
How can vortexes be used to improve everyday life?
Can large scale vortexes have negative impacts on
environments?
What role do vortexes play in galaxy formations, and are they
similar to the vortexes I am creating?
How can other types of vortexes be demonstrated in smallscale?
Slide 9
A vortex of air knocks over two
Styrofoam cups.
Smoke rings!
A vortex hits the camera.
Slide 10
Bibliography
"Battelle's vortex ring gun could deliver targeted dose of tear gas." Wired UK. N.d. Web.
2 Jan. 2014.
"Fluid dynamics." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Aug. 2014. Web. 6 Nov. 2013.
"How vortex rings form." How It Works Magazine. N.d. Web. 27 Dec. 2013.
"Physics demonstrations: vortex cannon!" Skulls in the Stars. N.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2013.
"Physics in a Toroidal Vortex: Air Cannon." Physics Central. N.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2013.
“Sound is a Pressure Wave.” Sound is a Pressure Wave. N.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2014.
"Vortex." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Oct. 2014. Web. 10 Jan. 2014.
"Vortex Rings - Science Tricks - Surfing Scientist - The Lab." Vortex Rings - Science
Tricks - Surfing Scientist - The Lab. N.d. Web. 27 Dec. 2013.