New form of hybrid?

[LordGarbash]

First let me start off by saying that I have never built a hybrid, nor to I intend to try for a while, but I had different idea for one. I'm not sure that this idea works, or is safe, but that's why I'm asking you guys about it. My idea was to make a hybrid cannon that used a fuel tank that held the pressurised propane and air. This tank would be released with a piston valve. This piston valve would be a little bit different though. The piston would have a metal ring around it, which would come into contact with 2 wires on the other part of the piston valve. When the valve is closed, the wires will touch either side of the metal ring on the piston. When firing, a strong electrical current will be sent through the wires and metal ring. When the air is released, a spark will span the gap between the wires and the valve, igniting the fuel. This way there is more of a direction to the explosion, pushing the potato out faster.

Now I've already noticed a few problems with this plan, the piston would be flung back in all likelyhood much faster than intended, by the explosion. Also, all piston valves ive seen require a bend of some sort, which I get the impression is not safe for this sort of explosion. There are some other problems I've noticed, but they are harder to put into words. I'm sure that as it is, this is not a safe ideam but it's a basic idea that may want to be looked into. I would imagine that it would yield more power than a traditional hybrid if it can be made safely.

Let me know what you guys think about it, and remember, I have no intention of trying this anytime soon, probably never.

[Lukas]

Yeah, I'd say that sticking with a burst disk would be a better idea, but I like the way you figured out the ignition system. Keep thinking creatively, we need more of that!