Syringes have all kinds of useful applications in the workshop, from injecting fluids to helping pick up tiny components. There’s always room for a bit of levity however, and [Tom Stanton] decided to have a play with some syringe rocket builds.
The basic idea involves blocking the end of a syringe, and then pull the plunger to create a vacuum in the tube. When released, the plunger will rush forward from the atmospheric pressure counteracting the vacuum, hitting the end of the tube and launching the syringe forward.
[Tom]’s initial attempts with small syringes were fun, but larger builds struggled with breakages, sealing issues, and excessive weight. Some more luck was had with a vacuum cannon build, which was able to launch a projectile to a decent height, albeit without a lot of stability. [Tom] wrapped things up by designing a small 3D printed launcher that fits 10mm syringes and lets you shoot them around the workshop with abandon.
It’s fun to see the concept explored in detail, with [Tom] doing a great job of explaining the basic physics behind the phenomenon. If you’re hungry for more, consider using syringes as basic hydraulic actuators for model builds. Video after the break.
Not exactly a rocket. It looks like a rocket but it’s just a pneumatic spring. Still neat and all
I assumed pressure at first sight, air tube-hole thru the plunger with a blocked tip. This might be more fun. My experience with the suction of these is in trying to draw up glue or something and just pulling the stem out of the rubber piece. Doing this dry the plunger only goes back in part way and not fast either. This may be because of the cheaper ones I have used.
tried this with some shitty syringes, and the force blew the top off of them. You really have to displace all the air with water, the difference a bubble makes is remarkable.