The author (from the US Naval Academy, naturally) indicates that various forms of potato cannons are used to help teach physics, but the lack of a full appreciation for the underlying mechanics involved might cut down on the teachable moments. So, he's set out to rectify that. According to his analysis, anyone who can handle calculus-based physics modeling can understand the basics of how compressed gas creates the muzzle mechanics of a potato cannon. For those of you who've never witnessed the awesome power of a potato cannon, I recommend this video, in which one is shown vaporizing various household...