PVC Marshmallow Cannon

Two engineering majors working on a project for English came up with the idea of creating a marshmallow cannon as an alternative to a potato cannon because it is safer especially for younger individuals while still having the same spectacle as a potato cannon.

Warning: This project uses hairspray as an explosive propellant which can lead to burns if used improperly, projectiles can cause harm to someone if shot at close range, and if shot in an enclosed space (not outside) it could damage your hearing.

If under the age of 15 adult supervision is advised.

The supplies you will need for this project are:

( " ) means inch.

( ' ) means feet.

• 2' of 1.5" PVC pipe
• 15" of 3" PVC pipe
• 3" to 1.5" Reducer
• 3" Female Adapter
• 3" Cleanout Plug
• PVC Cement (brush attached to lid)
• PVC Primer (optional)
• Flex Wand Lighter
• Tape (recommended electrical tape)
• Drill with 1/2" bit
• Jet-puffed jumbo size Marshmallows (or a marshmallows of equal size)
• Pressurized Hair Spray

The first step is to drill a 1/2" hole 2.5" from the end of the 3" PVC pipe. Only drill into the PVC not through it. There should be one hole through one side only. This is where the lighter will be attached in a future step.

Clean all the PVC parts with soap and water, and dry the parts. This gets rid of dirt and dust on the PVC as well as the burs on the PVC caused by cutting and drilling. Cleaning the PVC also helps with connecting the parts in the next steps.

Apply PVC primer (optional) and PVC cement to the outside rim of the 3" PVC. Apply the primer and cement around the outside on the end with the drilled hole. Next, apply the primer and cement to the interior of the reducer where the 3" PVC will connect. Once the cement and primer have been applied, connect the two pieces and hold them firmly together for 30-45 seconds. Watch video attached for example of how to use primer and cement.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQF_XDISuSw&t=33s

Repeat the process of using the cement and primer on the opposite end of the 3" PVC. Apply the primer and cement inside the female adapter on the smooth area. Do not apply on the area with threads (the swirly side). Once applied, connect the two pieces and hold together for 30-45 seconds. Watch video attached on previous step for example of how to use primer and cement.

After the primer and cement have been applied, allow it to sit still and cure for as long as the product recommends. Read the directions on the cement used to determine how long you will have to wait. This is to allow for the primer and cement to harden and seal properly.

Slip the head of the lighter into through the 1/2" hole and bend the lighter handle off to the side of the 3" PVC where it will be secured with the tape of your choice (recommend electrical tape).

Follow the directions on the video attached on how to properly use the cannon.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy-9H3mPmKg

It is important to clean the barrel about every 10 shorts to maximize the distance the marshmallow travels. If the barrel is not cleaned, it will lead to a decrease in launch speed of the marshmallow and can lead to the barrel jamming which could cause potential harm to the user. To clean the barrel, use a soapy rag to wipe the insides down and a dry rag after to dry it off.