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Demos: 2D-03 Pascal's Principle (Wine Bag)


This demonstration is a smaller version of 2D - 02. The mylar bag from a wine “box” is fitted with a rubber tubing. A wooden platform, the size of the deflated bag, rests on the bag. A large weight, even a person, can be lifted by blowing into the tubing.

Directions: To provide stability, a wooden square is placed on the bag. The person (or weight) should rest squarely in the center. Blow into the tubing. (WARNING: If lifting your own or another’s body, be aware that for a person weighing more than 150 lb or so, the pressure required is quite large and could place considerable stress on your system as you blow into the tubing.)

Suggestions for Presentation: If lifting yourself, climb up onto the lecture table and announce that you have a new technique for seeing over others in a crowd. It’s called a “person lift.” Stand squarely on the board a begin blowing into the tube. (See warning above.) As the bag inflates, you will start to rise. This can be a bit unsteady, so be careful.

Applications: Various hydraulic systems. Portable “air jack” systems.

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Last Updated: Nov 30, 2023 11:25 AM

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