Physics of Bamboo Rifle

TL;DR

This paper explains the physics behind bamboo rifles by analyzing mechanics and thermodynamics, providing a scientific understanding of how this traditional toy functions.

Contribution

It introduces a physics-based explanation of bamboo rifles, combining experiments and equations to clarify their working principles.

Findings

Identified key physical processes: mechanics and thermodynamics.

Derived equations explaining the firing mechanism.

Enhanced understanding of traditional bamboo toy physics.

Abstract

We conducted simple experiments and derived physics equations to explain the working principle of a bamboo rifle. This toy is often played by children in many places that have bamboo plants, such as in ASEAN countries. We identified two main physical processes: mechanics and thermodynamics of gas which controls the firing mechanism of such a rifle.