How does a CO2 dragster work?

CO2 cars are propelled by carbon dioxide rapidly escaping from the cartridge. The cartridge is positioned in the car so that the escaping gas moves rearward. The rearward force of the escaping gas is the initial action described by Newton. The reaction part of Newton's law is fulfilled by the car's movement.

1. How does the CO2 cartridge work in the CO2 dragster?
2. What powers does CO2 dragster have?
3. What makes a CO2 race car fast?
4. What is used to thrust CO2 cars?
5. What happens when you puncture a CO2 canister?
6. How do you make a CO2 dragster go faster?
7. What keeps the dragsters from flying off the track?
8. What does the C and O stand for in CO2?
9. How useful are spoilers?
10. Why do designers try to Minimise drag?
11. What is the best shape for a CO2 dragster?
12. How do you puncture a CO2 car cartridge?
13. How are CO2 dragsters propelled law?
14. What causes a CO2 dragster to decelerate?

How does the CO2 cartridge work in the CO2 dragster?

Once the cars are ready to race, the sealed cartridge is inserted and they are placed on the starting grid. ... The rearward motion of the gas pushes the car forward in this case, overcoming inertia or the resistance to movement.

What powers does CO2 dragster have?

Your dragster uses a CO2 cartridge for power. The cartridge contains CO2 gas under pressure. The end is punctured so the gas escapes creating thrust or force that powers your dragster down the track.

What makes a CO2 race car fast?

Aerodynamics, thrust-to-weight ratio, surface drag, rolling resistance and friction--all play a role in what makes a CO2 car fast or slow.

What is used to thrust CO2 cars?

For all the dragsters in the challenge, a CO2 charger provides the force to move the vehicle forward. The chargers contain a large volume of carbon dioxide gas under extreme pressure. The firing pin on the start gate makes a hole in the nozzle so the pressurized CO2 gas escapes producing thrust or force.

What happens when you puncture a CO2 canister?

You will have to re-inflate your tyre with normal air, which includes larger molecule that leak out slower. If you don't use all the CO2 gas in the cartridge, it will leak out over the next ~30 minutes approximately.

How do you make a CO2 dragster go faster?

Simply put, the less weight your dragster has, the faster it will go. This is the most important factor that will figure into your design. Keep it light! Thrust: The gas escaping from the CO2 cartridge in the car.

What keeps the dragsters from flying off the track?

Two hooks (eyelets or screw eyes) linked to a string (usually monofilament fishing line) on the bottom of the car prevent the vehicle from losing control during launch.

What does the C and O stand for in CO2?

CO2 is the chemical formula for the compound carbon dioxide. C is the symbol for the element carbon, and O is the symbol for oxygen.

How useful are spoilers?

Spoilers are supposed to change airflow above, around and underneath vehicles to reduce wind resistance (or drag) or use the air to create more downforce and enable more grip at high speeds. They're designed to “spoil” the airflow to reduce its negative effects.

Why do designers try to Minimise drag?

Minimizing drag can save huge amounts of fuel

Thus, the more drag your ride produces, the more fuel it will need to use in order to overcome this force. Some sleek design is fundamental for fuel economy. Take the Tesla model S as an example.

What is the best shape for a CO2 dragster?

Sphere - A very good aerodynamic shape because of it symmetrical shape. Which allows air to flow over it's surface with very little disruption to the air stream. A combination of basic shapes will yield the best results. This equation has to do with how much weight is over the front and rear of the vehicle.

How do you puncture a CO2 car cartridge?

In the launcher, a homemade firing mechanism made from a trim nail, two bolts, two springs and a 1 1/2″ wide x 3/8″ thick short strip of hardwood. Simply hit the hardwood strip in the center with a hammer and the pin will pierce the Co2 canister, releasing the gas and sending your rocket car on its way.

How are CO2 dragsters propelled law?

CO₂ dragsters are cars used by miniature racing cars which are propelled by a carbon dioxide cartridge, pierced to start the release of the gas, and which race on a 20 metre track. ... Two hooks (eyelets or screw eyes) linked to a fishing line on the bottom of the car prevent the vehicle from losing control during launch.

What causes a CO2 dragster to decelerate?

Effects of Forces on the Dragster

The thrust force of the CO2 cartridge accelerates the vehicle. The air resistance (or drag force) works against the thrust force and causes the car to decelerate.