The design & construction of a linear momentum apparatus

Abstract

This project consisted in the designing and the construction of a linear momentum apparatus, followed by a study on the impact situation present in this apparatus. A detailed theoretical analysis on momentum and impact is presented and experimental analysis is included for comparison and verification. The best laws that should be used to deduce what happens during a collision between constrained and free bodies are described. The conditions that give rise to minimum impulsive effect after an impact are also presented. The context includes a broad description of the various concepts involved in the apparatus, together with a short review of the developments in its design. This report is not only a description of the apparatus that was designed and constructed, but it includes a detailed study on collisions which could be used as a basis for particular studies on everyday impact situations.