8 replies to this topic

[Sponge Nerfer]

I have been thinking about grenades for a while now and I think that I have figured out how I am going to make my own. Here is what I will do:

The grenade will consist of a small tank connected to a ball valve. When this ball valve is opened pressure will move from the tank into a burst disk which will hold for several seconds before "bursting" and letting the pressure flow through, into a balloon full of foam bits which will explode (being WAY over-pressured) sending the foam everywhere. Here is a diagram to further explain what I am saying:



From the diagram you can see that the burst disk will be created using a coupler as a seal. The acual disk will be made cut-up plastic bag (when I make it you will understand more).

My question is, do you think that exploding a baloon filled with air-pressure will send the foam flying? Im not to sure but it seems possible to me. Please help.

Questions and comments are welcome.

-sponge

[elf avec gun]

Its a neat idea, and it (physically) reminds me of WWII German style grenades which had a wooden handle for added throwing leverage.

The problem that I see possibly arising, is that when a balloon breaks it burst at the weakest point (note the usage of the singular form)
The hole may spread, but the majority of the force will be exerted in the direction the hole is pointing to.

Also the thing will fly ackwardly due to the one end of it being considerably heavier than the other.

Another problem would be the re-use prep-ing. How are you going to make it easy to put on a new balloon and have that balloon not fly off?

[CaptainSlug]

The balloon popping won't propel the foam more than 12 inches.
And you can't throw a big PVC U of pipe.

The burst disc is pretty pointless as well.

Edited by CaptainSlug, 20 November 2006 - 08:50 PM.

[Gyrvalcon]

Just did a test for the record. I stuffed around 15 pieces of FBR into a ballon, and pumped it 'til it burst. I got a blast radius of about 5 ft maximum, but as CaptainSlug predicted, almost all the pieces fell straight down. Badly lit Youtube video if you care.

[SHADOW HUNTER ALPHA]

The steilhandgranate, or potato masher, is what elf_avec_gun is mentioning. (I'm into WWII). Anyway, between the single point bursting, reloading, and short-range issues, there is another problem. If the foam isn't weighted down like stefans are, then wind and air resistance are going to play hell with your foam projectiles. Also, there may not be a feasible size for these grenades to be to balance the pressure needed and the compact shape. Maybe you're better off building a small version of your B-var th fire multi-shot sabots or wadswith stefans in front of them. This would be more effective and cover a larger area, while still being reloadable through a simple process.

Edited by SHADOW HUNTER ALPHA, 21 November 2006 - 10:56 AM.

[Cthulhu]

The german grenades are called potato mashers

[NerfMonkey]

The steilhandgranate, or potato masher, is what elf_avec_gun is mentioning.

The german grenades are called potato mashers

[SHADOW HUNTER ALPHA]

What the hell's your point, NerfMonkey?

Gryvalcon: Your video confirmed the thought I had after logging off: the grenade design would have to be pumped or filled for more that half a minute in order to blow, and even then the design is not very effective. It would only amount to a sonic grenade with some foamy snow unless the design is improved. Plus, the ball valve on sponge's design would be too inconvenient for any type of grenade, as it would take too much time and effort to open and would likely result in the user "fragging" himself.

[Uncle Hammer]

He was merely pointing out the stupidity of the poster who called the german grenade a potato smasher right after you said it. No need to get your panties in a bunch.