Balloon Hover Disc: Explore Physics in a Fun Way

Discover the fascinating world of physics with the Balloon Hover Disc. This model offers a hands-on experience that combines learning with play, making it an excellent tool for both children and adults.

If you just like to play and not think about experimenting, you should check out this remix: 

https://makerworld.com/de/models/1067163#profileId-1056392

Thoughtful Design for Easy Use

The top features a connection for various balloon sizes, from small water balloons to larger party balloons. This versatility means you can experiment with different setups to see how they affect the hovercraft's performance.

Key Features

• Balloon Compatibility: The disc includes multiple rings to accommodate balloons of different sizes, allowing for a range of experiments.
• Customizable Weight: With M8 threads on the surface, you can easily add nuts to adjust the mass of the disc and observe how it impacts its momentum.
• Air Release Mechanism: A 2mm hole on the bottom allows for controlled air release and also easy inflation when connected to a balloon. An attachable mouthpiece simplifies the process of inflation even further.
• New: Print-in-Place Check Valve: There is now a mouthpiece with a check valve included. The model is inspired by the following design: check valve
• Adaptable Designs: If you prefer a cleaner look, a simpler geometry without threads is also provided. Plus, there’s a blank version available if you’d like to add your own personal touch.

Printing

If you would like to create your own print profie:

• 15% infill for a good balance of strength and weight
• 4 perimeters for durability
• Variable layer height for smooth results
• Ironing on top for a polished finish
• A brim for the mouthpiece to ensure successful printing
• Printed on smooth plate for low friction
• Recommended use of dual-color PLA for added visual appeal

A Fun Learning Experience

The Balloon Hover Disc is not just a toy; it’s an opportunity to engage with fundamental concepts like momentum and air pressure in an enjoyable way. Whether for science projects, classroom activities, or family fun, this model encourages exploration and creativity.We hope you enjoy printing and experimenting with your Balloon Hover Disc as much as we enjoyed creating it!

Example 1: Newton's Third Law in Action

Discover Newton's Third Law of Motion - "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction" - with your very own mini hovercraft! How it works:

1. As air escapes through the small hole in the disc's center, it pushes downward.
2. This downward force creates an equal upward force, lifting the disc off the ground.
3. The disc's flat bottom spreads this force evenly, creating a stable hover effect.
4. The thin layer of air beneath the disc greatly reduces friction, allowing smooth movement.

Experiment further:

• Use the M8 threads to add weights (like the mouthpiece or M8 nuts) and observe how it affects the hover.
• If the printed threads aren't perfect, try using a thread cutter or slightly larger nuts.
• Do you know the maximum wheight the disc could carry if a normal balloon has a pressure of about 10'000Pa?

Example 2: Elastic Collisions and Momentum

Explore the principles of momentum conservation and elastic collisions with two Balloon Hover Discs!What to observe:

• When two discs collide, their total momentum remains the same before and after the collision.
• In a perfect elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Key measurements for your experiments:

• Disc mass: 27.06g
• Standard balloon mass: 14g
• Total mass (disc + balloon): 41.06g
• Disc diameter: 49mm
• Air outlet hole diameter: 2mm

F: Force [N]

m: Mass [kg]

p: Pressure [Pa]

A: Area [m^2]

g: Gravitational Constant [m/s^2]

E: Energy [J]

_kin: kinetic