Sciencemadness Discussion Board - The capacitor arrow... Would it work?

The capacitor arrow... Would it work?

AdamAlden - 19-5-2023 at 15:48

Aye long time no speak guys. I might start posting more crazy ideas like this rather than letting them get lost to the wind.

I have this idea for an arrow... I don't plan to patent it because I think patents are ass... Anyways so you basically create a rolled-up capacitor arrow and then charge it up and fire it at an animal for an instant silent humane kill.

Here is a crappy picture describing a possible arrow model in very little detail.

AdamAlden - 19-5-2023 at 15:50

ps since its rolled metal and flimsier than wood im assuming a new type of launcher may be in order for faster velocities. something like a harpoon gun might work good

Sir_Gawain - 19-5-2023 at 20:12

This is quite similar to the "Leyden jar balls" from the book 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas'. Jules Verne writes of the characters using air guns that fire glass bullets which have layers of metal foil. The capacitors are charged to a high voltage and shatter on impact, electrocuting the underwater prey. This might work since it is under water, however, I don't think it could hold a lethal charge. Your arrow design likely could have enough capacitance, but the charge would have to flow through more of the body than just the area around the arrow. It would certainly kill them if it hit near the heart, but then again, so would a regular arrow'

Rainwater - 20-5-2023 at 00:48

If it worked, it would be cruel to harvest this way. Please do not try this.
Death by electrocution is meant for the truly wicked for good reason.

A skilled archer can properly place a shot, transferring almost no kinetic energy into the target.
3 extremely sharp 28.6mm blades can pass through soft tissue undetected by the target.
They will continue about their business as tho nothing happened, get tired, and lay down for a nap.
Completely unaware of what has happened.

[Edited on 20-5-2023 by Rainwater]

Twospoons - 20-5-2023 at 17:10

A capacitor with enough stored energy to guarantee a kill would have to be pretty big - and you'd have to hit is just the right place. You are more likely to kill just from the impact.

AdamAlden - 4-6-2023 at 16:41

Quote: Originally posted by Sir_Gawain

This is quite similar to the "Leyden jar balls" from the book 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas'. Jules Verne writes of the characters using air guns that fire glass bullets which have layers of metal foil. The capacitors are charged to a high voltage and shatter on impact, electrocuting the underwater prey. This might work since it is under water, however, I don't think it could hold a lethal charge. Your arrow design likely could have enough capacitance, but the charge would have to flow through more of the body than just the area around the arrow. It would certainly kill them if it hit near the heart, but then again, so would a regular arrow'

Very cool reply thank you! Of course you would shoot for head or heart lol. I was thinking maybe a microwave capacitor at the tip of the arrow maybe?

As for other replies thanks for your replies! I love when my bad ideas are destroyed. thanks a lot you guys. I needed this.

AdamAlden - 4-6-2023 at 16:43

the idea is an instant death. no bleeding out or thinking about it.

Metallophile - 5-6-2023 at 07:08

The electric chair was hardly instant death, and it is now considered to be quite cruel. Also, your capacitor arrow would discharge between two terminals, presumably not very far apart. It would probably burn that local area pretty bad, but no current would go through the heart.

AdamAlden - 10-6-2023 at 00:47

so getting shocked aint that scarry? psht

Rainwater - 10-6-2023 at 04:57

Quote: Originally posted by AdamAlden

so getting shocked aint that scarry? psht

I absolutely live for the days a rookie says something like this.
We could have some fun, and by we, i mean me
starts playing theme music

clearly_not_atara - 10-6-2023 at 12:12

Quote: Originally posted by Metallophile

Also, your capacitor arrow would discharge between two terminals, presumably not very far apart. It would probably burn that local area pretty bad, but no current would go through the heart.

qfe

The energy density of a capacitor is very small. You would not be able to store enough energy in an arrow to do the kind of damage you are imagining.

I did the math once on filling an arrow with high explosives and even then you struggle to get past 10 megajoules. That will certainly blow up a human, but it isn't going to take down a tank or anything.