grenading PVC ballistic test

[Jimmy K]

On a referral from JSR on this thread, I ask that you excuse my posting on a dead topic.


This guy (below link) built a box for testing the limits of pressurized PVC with regard to temperature. He included a video on how he made the test chamber. Someone could easily replicate this for burst pressure of DWV.

Here's the link:

http://www.crazybuilders.com/item.php?i ... ct_section

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Tech likes to post this link but thanks for putting it here

The point of the test I was proposing was less along the lines of determining at what pressure PVC would fail, but rather what damage potential the fragments resulting from the said failure might have.

[Technician1002]

A real danger is blown off caps. There is plenty of online damage photos and video of that.
[youtube][/youtube]
[youtube][/youtube]

[ramses]

wow. It wasn't even the bell reducer that failed.

[DYI]

Failing cleanout caps (which really, really should be called plugs...) have potential to do significant damage. Way back in the days of my reinforced ABS oxy/fuel gun I caused three such failures, once on purpose. The first one was the least energetic, nearly making it through a sheet of 3/4" plywood I was standing behind (after which I upgraded to 10mm steel). The second left a dent in a solid concrete block and proceeded to rip a 6V lantern battery in half after ricocheting. The third was a controlled test which saw the cap fired over fifty meters on a near horizontal trajectory into the lake.

And you know what, Jack? You've been going on about PVC fragmentation testing for FAR too long now. I'll PM you about it...

[Technician1002]

(which really, really should be called plugs...)

A plug goes into a hole like a plug in a bathtub drain. A cap goes on the outside like the cap that blew off in the video or a ski cap. They are not the same, but both seal an opening.

[DYI]

I'm exceedingly well aware of the difference between a cap and plug, Tech. However, the plumbing component commonly referred to and sold as a "cleanout cap" is a plug because, as you stated, "a plug goes into a hole". As "cleanout caps" have male threads and thus are threaded into, as opposed to over an opening, they should be referred to as plugs.

Your use of "cap" in commenting on the video you posted was correctt. I was merely remarking on the odd yet prevalent practice in the sale of DWV components of referring to "cleanout" plugs as caps.

[Technician1002]

Great clarification. Clean out caps are indeed an exception to the norm.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Failing cleanout caps (which really, really should be called plugs...) have potential to do significant damage.

Can't find the link now but there was that news story of a guy that died of a heart attack after being struck by a cap to the chest.

And you know what, Jack? You've been going on about PVC fragmentation testing for FAR too long now. I'll PM you about it...

Finally I've annoyed someone enough to take action replied, looking forward

edit: looking forward even more

[Crna Legija]

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overly complex, and the cold of the ice would mess with the testing much simpler to just fill it with pre compressed air you can use a fridge compressor 200psi will do it for sure.

I would do it but I know when it does finally blow it will be loud!! so neighbourhood wouldn't be very happy also there's a very good chance the fitting would just bust off and could do some big damage.

[EpicMadness]

While the title might suggest results, this is actually an appeal for those who have better facilities than I can afford.

-snip-

-snip-

overly complex, and the cold of the ice would mess with the testing much simpler to just fill it with pre compressed air you can use a fridge compressor 200psi will do it for sure.

I would do it but I know when it does finally blow it will be loud!! so neighbourhood wouldn't be very happy also there's a very good chance the fitting would just bust off and could do some big damage.

its not really that complex, its just you added an internal heating element, just pouring boiling water before closing the end caps could do the trick as well. how hard do you think would it be to put ice cubes in a Gatorade bottle? its the same concept but with added wires in it.

blowing off the end-caps are a possibility indeed, but rivets can secure them like hell, believe me, i've been doing those for ages
(bore 2holes on the sides of the caps on both female and male, now put a rivet)

edit: ok fine i'll draw you a picture... gimme a couple of minutes.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Interesting thoughts. No need for a heating element though. A properly cemented endcap should hold even without rivets or screws.

[EpicMadness]

the image as promised:
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if you expect this to be silent then i ask you to buy a pair of ear muffles, it should be silent as hell while the muffles are on your ears
... dude, its a bomb, obviously it'll be loud.

end design should look like a pipebomb, no i mean literally.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

end design should look like a pipebomb, no i mean literally.

... pretty much why I haven't tried it myself.

[EpicMadness]

lol, well i've made a couple but using a pet bottle instead and it goes BOOM, as loud as a thunder.

i'd expect a "Dry Ice PVC charge"(imao what a name) would be more louder because of the increased built-up pressure.