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From: Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: OT: Repeatably lobbing "projectiles"
Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2024 04:14:20 -0700
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On 11/23/2024 3:50 AM, Liz Tuddenham wrote:
> Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
> 
> [...]
>> But, isn't that just RL's "sling" with an "autoloader" built in?
>> I.e., can't I just have a "throwing arm" fed by a hopper with
>> a collection of projectiles?  (likely balls of some sort)
> 
> Yes, it was just an alternative that might have had some of the
> characteristics you need.

OK.  You're getting ahead of me with "loading" -- while I'm
still trying to sort out *firing*!  :<

> Another possibility is a variant on a pea-shooter that has a steady jet
> of compressed air entering a long tubular barrel through a port in the
> side.  A continuous line of 'peas' is slowly pushed up the barrel and as
> each one passes the port, it is accelerated by the air stream.  You only
> need to control* the air steam continuously, there is no need to
> micro-mange each pulse.

Now that's a "different" approach!  But, the air exiting the barrel doesn't
create a vacuum that drags "unwilling" peas into it?  Or, is the space
"behind" the peas closed, limiting any displacing air from being drawn
in prematurely?

Though that suggests another "release" mechanism that could apply.
Instead of controlling the "propellant", leave it ON (altering the
flow to suit the desired target range) but gate the *projectiles*
into it (e.g., toothed wheel) in the same way you are suggesting (?)

I.e., a projectile may be sluggish getting past the "release
mechanism" (toothed wheel in my example).  But, once past, it should
accelerate the same as any other that has made it that far into
the mechanical "process".  It doesn't start moving until it is FREE
of the release.

> [* The source pressure (voltage) and restrictor valve setting (source
> impedance).  One will control the acceleration rate and the other will
> restrict the ultimate velocity; they will interact if the barrel is too
> short.]
>