SPH4U SPRING LAUNCHER SUMMATIVE PROJECT 2011

							SPH4U                          SPRING LAUNCHER SUMMATIVE PROJECT
Project Overview
        In this project you will design and build a spring-powered launcher which will be required to
launch a steel ball-bearing horizontally from a height, y, with the appropriate speed so that it strikes a
specified target distance, x, when it hits the ground.
        You will analyze and calibrate your launcher so that you can reliably use your launcher to fire
various ball-bearing payloads to specified target distances. Marks will be awarded for launcher
accuracy.
     launcher                     ball bearing , mass (m)


                              y


                                          d                        target
Project Components:
1) Spring Calibration Testing Date: Monday Jan 9th
       Determine the spring constant of your spring using the Hooke’s Law analysis we used
       previously.
       A summary of your observations and data analysis will be submitted with your final summative
       report.

2) Launcher Design, Construction and Performance Report
       Launcher Design and Construction
       Design and build a device to hold the spring so that it can be stretched by a specified amount
       and then released with a payload (the steel ball bearing) so that the ball can be launched
       horizontally.

       Ideal Theoretical Analysis
       Perform a theoretical analysis on your launcher for ideal conditions based on energy
       conservation, to determine the required spring extension, x, to achieve the necessary launch
       speed to hit your desired target distance, d. You should have an equation that will allow you to
       calculate the extension (x), given the vertical launch height (y), the ball bearing mass (m) and
       the target distance (d).

       Remember that if your launcher design includes any components with significant mass that are
       moved with the spring, this mass should be accounted for in your analysis. In addition, if your
        design involves a collision then conservation of momentum should also be considered in the
       interaction.

       Testing and Friction Correction (Note: This analysis MUST be done prior to the
       Summative Launch Day and will be done outside of class time.)
       After building and testing your launcher, you will analyze your test data to correct for the effects
       of dissipative forces such as friction in the launcher and air resistance.

3) Summative Day 1-Launch Day                                Test Date: Thursday January 19th
      The launchers will be tested in class on the above date. Three test rounds will be performed for
       three different ball bearings and three different target distances. POINTS WILL BE AWARDED
       FOR HOW CLOSE THE BALL LANDS TO THE TARGET.

4) Summative Day 2- Report Completion                                    Friday January 20th
      You will be given a template to prepare our report on the final summative day. You may bring
      with you a prepared diagram illustrating your launcher design to include with your report.