Water/Steam Propelled Toy Boat

Rough Sketch of Toy Boat

Toy Instructions and Description

• This toy is based on many different scientific aspects including but not limited to thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, buoyancy and aerodynamics. This toy can be used by children 10 years and up with the supervision of a parent. Fill the container up with water and place it on the launcher and then screw back the opening so that the container is closed and internal pressure can build up. Make sure the launcher is orientated horizontally so that the boat flies forward and does not overturn. Remember to light the candle inside the boat and close the cover partially as to the fact that no wind and no water enter the compartment and blow the flame out.
• The toy idea is based on building up the air pressure in the bottle and causing it to jump off the extremely tight connection at the launcher and burst forward. By pumping air through the water and into the upper air layer of the container, the toy guarentees a long propulsion period as all the water would have to empty out before the air gets free.Furthermore, the flame is used to power the boat as it heats the copper and causes forward motion. So even after the water propulsion period ends, the boat will still move forward
• This toy will be on the slighlty higher price range ($50-$100) as its components aren't exactly cheap. The bicycle pump itself will cause for the cost to go up. Furthermore, vacuum tape to cover the screw fixture and ensure none of the air escapes and lowers air pressure will add to the cost. The boat, similar to my rocket will be made with hardened nalgene plastic as to give it structure just in case the boat hits the side of a swimming pool wall. Furthermore, the container in which the candle will be lit will be surrounded by materials that have a very high melting rate..The boat design and body shape will be simple and straight forward.. The launcher is made of cheap materials but sturdy construction that includes rubber tubing, PVC piping, and a wood base structure.