Bed of Nails Demo

Paul Robinson, physics teacher at San Mateo High School, is slammed with an 8 pound sledge hammer by friend and assailant, Skip Wagner, at a school assembly, in January of 1998.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• bed
• nails
• physics
• robinson

[mholmboy]

Very good demonstration. What size nail and type of board was used to make the bed.

[laserpablo]

Student built this bed from 4 inch construction nails and 5/8 inch plywood. Pilot holes were pre-drilled. This demonstration is not without the possibility of hazard.

[jugglefan4]

i wish he explained how this works

[laserpablo]

It takes a lot of energy to break the block. As such, it acts as an energy absorber. The block is heavy--it has lots of inertia.The block resists the motion of the hammer. The heavier the block, the better. 3) Pressure=force/area.The greater the number of nails, the greater the area. Therefore, the more nails, the less pressure they exert on. The nails in my beds are about 1 inch apart and are close to the pressure threshold of puncturing my skin (and for sure some do!)--but most don't.

[mazahrehd]

Hey, Mr. Robinson. It's Daniel Mazahreh from the class of 2006. My brother David is in your class this year. Thanks for sharing this GREAT video to all future and current physics students worldwide! I always remember that you enjoy teaching us yum-yum physics! Btw, it's a shame THERE WILL BE BLOOD didn't win the top oscar. That movie had physics written all over it, lol.

[laserpablo]

I agree--that was my pick, too. Hope things are going well for you--good to hear from you.

Mr. R

[MKReptile27]

Dang, Mr. Robinson! That was awesome!

[btzmrulvr]

Good stuff man. I would love to see this demonstration in person. Physics is GREAT and fun ;)

[mangokillah92]

im pretty sure its witchcraft...

[horrordude05]

awesome! Physics rules!!! : )

[jugglefan4]

thank you, that was very thourough

[doyeek]

why do you have to use a block on your chest? Can your assistant just hammer your tummy? now that would be more impressive!!