The creator set out to build a Nerf blaster that can shoot darts at supersonic speeds (faster than the speed of sound). After researching and experimenting, they designed a custom blaster using a paintball tank, a stainless steel hydraulic pipe as a barrel, and a quick-exhaust valve (QEV) to rapidly release compressed air. Initially, the blaster didn't work as expected, but after redesigning and retesting, they achieved a speed of 957 ft/s (291 m/s) with a pressure of around 500 PSI.
The creator then refined the design, adding a trigger system and a 3D printed shell to make the blaster more handheld and visually appealing. After testing the blaster with different configurations and pressures, they discovered that the Nerf darts were breaking apart, limiting the system's performance.
However, when using a blue Nerf dart and a lower pressure of around 400-450 PSI, the creator achieved supersonic speeds without the dart breaking apart. They concluded that the QEV valve allows for supersonic speeds at lower pressures, making the system more efficient. The video ends with the creator planning to test the blaster on various targets and inviting viewers to suggest targets for future videos.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The creator attempted to build a handheld Nerf blaster that could shoot supersonic speeds.
2. A normal Nerf blaster shoots at approximately 60 ft per second.
3. The speed of sound is 18 times faster than a normal Nerf blaster.
4. The creator used a compressed air system to power the blaster.
5. A paintball tank was used to supply air to the system.
6. A quick exhaust valve (QEV) was used to allow air to flow into the barrel quickly.
7. The creator discovered that the QEV required at least 1,000 PSI to function.
8. The initial prototype had a 2m barrel, but it was later shortened to 1m.
9. The blaster's components were mounted on a wooden stock.
10. The trigger system was designed to open the ball valve quickly.
11. The blaster was painted black, including the metal components.
12. A 3D printed plastic shell was designed to fit around the wooden stock.
13. The blaster was tested at various pressures, including 590 PSI, 600 PSI, and 540 PSI.
14. The Nerf darts broke at higher pressures, limiting the blaster's speed.
15. Using a modified dart or a vacuum in the barrel could potentially allow for supersonic speeds.
16. The blaster achieved supersonic speeds at around 400-450 PSI using a blue Nerf dart.
17. The sweet spot for the Nerf darts was found to be around 400-450 PSI, where they did not break and achieved supersonic speeds.