Bernoulli Principle with Bullets

In summary, the conversation discusses the effects of gyroscopic affect and Bernoulli's principle on long range sniper bullets. It is mentioned that the spin of a bullet helps to keep it moving straight and does not provide any lift. However, crosswind can affect the bullet's trajectory, and modern long-range shells are designed to minimize this effect. The possibility of applying the principle of controlled burn to a sniper bullet is also mentioned.
  • #1
sooty1892
5
0
Hi
I was reading about long range sniper bullets been affected by gyroscopic affect with the spin of the bullet. I was wondering if Bernoulli's principle could be applied to this, as the pressure at one side of the bullet is greater than the other (depending on the rotation).
Is this true and if so, how can it be applied?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
I always thought bullets used spin to generate angular momentum so that they stay going straight out of the muzzle (like how a bicycle is stabilized by the rotation of its wheels).
 
  • #3
The spin of a bullet keeps it moving (nominally) straight. It does not provide any lift due to the fact that there is no circumferential velocity around the bullet except that induced by the spin, and the spin-induced velocity is the same everywhere.
 
  • #4
To expand on what bonehead said, in practicality, there is almost always some crosswind component between the sniper and the target. And this WILL cause the bullet to produce a force, which is dependent on the bullets spin as well as the direction of the crosswind.
 
  • #5
Modern long-range shells are bullet shaped too. The late Gerald Bull was an artillery designer reputedly assassinated by the Mossad for helping Saddam Husein make a supergun capable of reaching Israel from Iraq.

Prior to that work he developed an artillary shell which had a controlled burn of a propellant in the back. The purpose was not to propel the shell but to fill in the vacuum behind the shell as it flew. This one innovation cut the aerodynamic drag on the shell in half and doubled the range of the conventional artillery shell.

A long-range sniper bullet could be designed using this same principle.
 

Related to Bernoulli Principle with Bullets

What is the Bernoulli Principle?

The Bernoulli Principle states that as the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. This principle can be applied to fluids such as air, water, and even gases.

How does the Bernoulli Principle apply to bullets?

The Bernoulli Principle applies to bullets as they travel through the air. As the bullet speeds up, the air pressure around it decreases, creating a low pressure area behind the bullet. This low pressure area helps to propel the bullet forward.

Why do bullets have a curved trajectory?

Bullets have a curved trajectory due to the combination of the forces acting on them. The Bernoulli Principle is one of these forces, but gravity and air resistance also play a role. This combination of forces causes the bullet to follow a curved path instead of a straight line.

Can the Bernoulli Principle be used to increase the accuracy of bullets?

While the Bernoulli Principle does play a role in the trajectory of bullets, it is not the only factor that affects accuracy. Factors such as wind, temperature, and the shape of the bullet all have a greater impact on accuracy. Therefore, the Bernoulli Principle alone cannot significantly increase the accuracy of bullets.

Are there any real-life applications of the Bernoulli Principle with bullets?

Yes, the Bernoulli Principle is used in the design of certain types of bullets, such as hollow point bullets. These bullets are designed to have a hollow cavity in the tip, which creates a low pressure area and causes the bullet to expand upon impact. This expansion increases the damage done to the target.

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