Liquid Nitrogen Cannon
Most recent answer: 10/22/2007
Q:
How did you make your Liquid Nitrogen cannon? What material did you use for the cannon itself? Thanks.
- Flora
Pennsylvania
- Flora
Pennsylvania
A:
Flora -
We actually had our cannon made by the machine shop here at the university. The cannon itself is made of brass and the support structure is aluminum. It’s pretty simple to make, just a large hole (that can fit a cork) bored into a solid brass piece and a second smaller hole with a valve attatched to the top. The valve is there to release the nitrogen boiloff while you are putting the cork in. Otherwise you risk being in the way when the cork comes shooting out. The procedure is to open the valve, put the cork in, get out of the way, and close the valve. Pressure then builds up, expelling the cork.
All sorts of cannons are dangerous! Even ones that fire corks can potentially cause injury and/or property damage. Use, or even possession of one may violate local laws. While they are fun, we do not recommend making cannons at home for safety reasons.
Tim (and Tom)
We actually had our cannon made by the machine shop here at the university. The cannon itself is made of brass and the support structure is aluminum. It’s pretty simple to make, just a large hole (that can fit a cork) bored into a solid brass piece and a second smaller hole with a valve attatched to the top. The valve is there to release the nitrogen boiloff while you are putting the cork in. Otherwise you risk being in the way when the cork comes shooting out. The procedure is to open the valve, put the cork in, get out of the way, and close the valve. Pressure then builds up, expelling the cork.
All sorts of cannons are dangerous! Even ones that fire corks can potentially cause injury and/or property damage. Use, or even possession of one may violate local laws. While they are fun, we do not recommend making cannons at home for safety reasons.
Tim (and Tom)
(published on 10/22/2007)