im constructing a jumper (entire device must jump + lands as one piece) that can only be powered by springs and/or elastics..
it has to jump straight up and land with in a 1m x 1m box...
so it's basically gravity + air resistence VS spring/elastic forces.
Also, it has to be released by one person at least 1m away (ex: release with a string)
the goal is to jump as high as possible
I am not sure what is the best shape, mass, and material of the jumper
I am thinking of making it a rocket shape from a pen..and wrapped it with aluminum foil (because it's more smooth than plastic?!)
I think the frontal area should be as small as possible, but should it be slightly rounded or pointy?
I am also not sure about how the spring can be conneted and how to release the jumper