Joannès Vermorel, Pop pop boats

What is a Pop pop boat ?

A Pop pop boat is a true little steam machine, converting heat into movement. Those boats are called "pop pop" because of the sound produced by their engines (see here below).

More information about Pop-pop boats.

My personal steam machines

Just after seeing a pop pop boat for the first time of my life, I decided to build my own pop pop boats. And two days later, two pop pop boats were built.

The "Quipop" boat

Comment : I have designed the tank of this boat to produce a loud "pop pop" sound when the machine is running. But the "pop pop" sound dissipates a lot of energy and, in consequence, this boat is loud but not very fast.

Materials used to build the boat : 2 cans, 20cm of aluminium tubes, 1 elastic, 2 corks and a bit of glue.

Sound record of the Quipop

Length : 16cm
Width : 10cm (5.5cm without the corks)
Height : .7.5cm

Motor-fuel : turnsol oil
Autonomy (*) : 20min
Water capacity : 10cm ³

Max speed : 2 ~ 3cm/s
Pop pop frequency : 13Hz
The "Quiphlot" boat

Comment : I have tried to design this boat as small as I could. There is no tank but the tube plays the role of the tank. This boat does not produce an audible "pop pop" sound, but it is incredibly fast for its size.

Materials used to build the boat : 1 can, 20cm of aluminium tubes and a bit of glue.

Length : 5cm
Width : 2.5cm
Height : 3.5cm

Motor-fuel : turnsol oil
Autonomy (*) : 5min
Water capacity : < 0.5cm³

Max speed : 10cm/s
Pop pop frequency : 100 ~ 200Hz (approximation, the sound is not audible, but the vibrations could be felt).

(*) The autonomy of a pop pop boat is only limited by the production of heat. There is no lost of water.

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