Egg Drop Project

Physics

The Great Egg Drop

Your Challenge:

Build a device/vehicle that will protect a passenger (The Egg) from harm during a "crash".

The Rules:

• One raw egg (large or extra large) is to be used. YOU  supply the egg on the day of testing.

• No foreign substance(s) may be applied to the eggshell, especially for the purpose of increasing the strength of the shell.  Nothing may be permanently attached to the shell (i.e. rubber bands or glue).

• Glue may not be molded to form a “pod” or capsule around the egg or put on egg.

• The vehicle may be any shape or size.

• Vehicle MUST free-fall to the ground.  (No 'parachute' device or “wing” may be employed).

• Vehicle shall be designed to withstand a fall from a minimum height of two meters.

• Final drop will be 4 meters.

• Egg shell integrity must be able to be proven to be uncompromised after impact;

The egg must be able to be easily removed in order to prove this.

• Examples of materials that may be used for construction: (you can use other materials)

Toothpicks (wooden only) no limit

Soda straws (any type) 5 straws or 50 cm total length

Paper (standard notebook type) two (2) sheets; may NOT be wadded

Glue (any type) Glue sticks may not be used for structure

NO PILLOWS, BUBBLE WRAP, SHOES, OR BOXES MAY BE USED.
Additional extra credit points may be earned in the following categories:

• Aesthetic design (does it look nice)
• Most spectacular crash

In addition, you must calculate the object’s velocity at impact and its change in momentum using the conservation of energy formula. You will also be timing the fall and then calculating the Impulse and Force at impact.

Schedule:

Day 1 - research and initial design

Day 2 - assembly and test drop

Day 3 - redesign and modification and final drop

Calculations:

Group members: _________________________________________________________________

Class period: ______

Egg Drop Calculations

m_egg = 60grams

mass: ____ g -- ________ kg              h = 4m                  t = ____

(what mass are you using for your calculations…)

PE = mgh =

PE­_­1 = KE₂     solve for v₂

p = mv         I = Δp                   I = F t     solve for F

Use h and t to find v₂ also as a check.

Description of design & why you chose this (why did you think this would protect the egg?)