Potato cannon APFSDS

What is APFSDS?

This model is based on a kind of tank shell, formally called “APFSDS”. That stands for “Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot”. These types of tank rounds are so called kinetic penetrators, and as the name implies, they rely solely on their kinetic energy to do damage to the target. By shedding off the outer parts, the “sabot”, when the tank shell leaves the barrel, only the center “dart” is left flying towards the target. This shedding of the sabot allows the shell to travel much quicker and farther due to having less drag, since its cross-section is much smaller than a traditional tank round.

What is it made for?

This specific model is made for use in a Potato cannon. Be aware, potato cannons are dangerous and should be operated with the highest safety care. 

I made this as a test - a test to see if the mechanics that modern tanks use can apply at a smaller scale.

Size

Unscaled, this shell fits snugly into a DN50 PVC pipe. The inner diameter of such a pipe is around about 45mm, or 1,7717 inches.

You can also fit TPU filament into the lower cutout of the sabot to maximize the seal it forms with the barrel.

There are 2 versions of the sabot, a Full version and an Easy version. 

The Full version is the full sized sabot, good for looks but hard and more filament expensive to print.

The Easy version is a smaller sabot, heaps easier to print, less filament expensive, but compromises with less contact area with the Dart, giving it more potential to slip inside the barrel.

Printing

The Dart is recommended to be printed with at least 4 wall loops. The more, the better. The Dart is very tall but has a small base, use a brim so the model doesn't fall during printing.

The sabot can be printed with only 2 walls, it does not need significant strength.

The Full sabot and dart need supports.

For a full round you need 1 Dart and 3 of any Sabot.

If you have any questions or request, let me know and I will be sure to help you as quickly as I can.