A Modular Supersonic Ping Pong Gun

TL;DR

This paper presents a modular, vacuum-powered supersonic ping pong gun capable of firing balls at speeds exceeding Mach 1.5, demonstrating an engaging physics demonstration tool that enhances interest in physics and engineering.

Contribution

It introduces a new modular design with a pressure plenum and nozzle to achieve supersonic speeds in a ping pong gun, improving upon previous models.

Findings

Achieves muzzle velocities over Mach 1.5

Successfully fires through paddles and plywood up to 12.7mm thick

Effective in sparking interest in physics and engineering

Abstract

A vacuum-powered device that shoots ping pong balls at high subsonic speeds has been used for physics demonstrations for more than a decade. It uses physics that are easily understood by students, even though its operation is not immediately intuitive. The addition of a pressure plenum and nozzle results in muzzle velocities exceeding Mach 1.5. Balls are readily fired through ping pong paddles and sheets of plywood up to 12.7mm (1/2 inch) thick. Popular reaction to the device indicates that it is an effective way to spark interest in physics and engineering.