I have been searching for a simple way to plot the force produced by a CO2 canister over time when punctured. I have been looking at different methods including using FSRs(Force Resistive Sensors), however, I am not sure how accurate they are and whether they will be able to update rapidly enough. I have also looked at using load cells with the HX711 module but I'm not sure if that will suit this job either.
I would appreciate if anyone has any other suggestions.
Thanks
Use a spring balance and take readings off it is the simplest route.
The arrangement has some mechanical concerns, how to attach the sensor to the can. How much have You done there?
The gas pressure is EXACTLY the force of the CO2, by definition. If you can measure the gas pressure, you measure the force!
Sorry I should have clarified. This is measuring the force of a small CO2 canister as such CO2 cartridges 8g 10 pack - Drinkit @. I can easily rig a 3d printed part to fir around the canister and make a jig for even force distribution.
@hammy A spring balance would not be a viable option as I am looking for an accuracy of around 0.1N
@Paul_KD7HB Could you please elaborate on what you mean by that? Is there an equation for doing so? If so could you please show me/
Thank you all for your support
You say "force". Know that force is the pressure times the area of the surface it meets.
Are You sure the 3D-printed adapter will manage the pressure and not fly away like a projectile?
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Yes the adapter can be made secure.
Just as an example this is what I am trying to achieve
I do believe it is possible to calculate the thrust produced by the CO2 canister if you know pressure alongside other variables but that is rather complicated and I was hoping to get some results through physical testing.
Strap it to a digital scale
I'm afraid they don't update quick enough and the results aren't plottable.
Why not use a pressure transducer they are fast, not that expensive and accurate?
You are right about the FSR. They are not very repeatable and their zero shifts all over. A load cell is a better sensor for this.
Peerhaps a search among Arduino model rocket test stand pages will have some ideas for instrumentation.
What if it was turning a wheel? Could you then have an encoder on the wheel and measure the rate that it spins?
The last time I looked at pressure, it is measured in something like: pounds per square inch, or PSI. At least in my country.. The "pounds" is the force of the gas inside the container. If you compute the size of the opening in square inches, where the gas escapes, Divide that into the PSI, that will give you the force of the gas escaping from the canister.
"Thrust stand" for model and amateur rocket motors are a pretty widely explored field. I believe that most end up using load cells.
(I even see a bunch of "model rocket thrust stand arduino" hits.)
A problem I see is that to release the CO2, you must puncture the seal and that imparts a thrust to the cartridge. Perhaps the manufacturer has that data.
Ok guys thanks for all the positive feedback. I will use a load cell as some of you mentioned and search for some model rocket thrust stand projects. I will let you know how that goes.
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