Shoot a bullet at a half-infinite isotropic elastic solid.

In summary, there is no way to eliminate the longitudinal waves generated by the bullets impact without affecting the transverse waves.
  • #1
Spinnor
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Say we shoot a bullet that travels in the theta = 0 direction (we are in spherical coordinates). Say the bullet strikes and sticks to a half-infinite isotropic elastic solid that begins at the theta = 90 degrees plane. Is it true that longitudinal waves generated by the bullets impact will be of maximum intensity in the theta = 0 direction and that transverse waves generated by the bullets impact will be of maximum intensity in the theta = 90 degrees direction?

Is there any way, however contrived, that we can reduce or eliminate the longitudinal waves generated by the bullets impact by changing the properties of the isotropic elastic solid while at the same time leaving the transverse waves unaffected?

Thanks for any help!
 
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  • #2
If we add an extra dimension I think we can get close to my requirements,

"Is there any way, however contrived, that we can reduce or eliminate the longitudinal waves generated by the bullets impact by changing the properties of the isotropic elastic solid while at the same time leaving the transverse waves unaffected?"

Let us have an 3D infinite isotropic elastic solid which lies in 4D space. Let w be the extra spatial dimension. At equilibrium let the solid be located at w = 0. Let the gun be located at the point (0,0,0,L). Let the bullet be fired so that it only has momentum in the -w direction. Let the bullet strike and stick to the infinite solid at the point (0,0,0,0). A transverse wave propagates outward from the point (0,0,0,0)? There are no longitudinal waves?

Thanks for any help!
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Let us add an extra dimension v. Let there be two guns that shoot bullets in the v and w directions which strike and stick to the solid. With two guns we can produce circularly polarized transverse waves with the right gun shots?

Thanks for any help!
 

Related to Shoot a bullet at a half-infinite isotropic elastic solid.

What is a half-infinite isotropic elastic solid?

A half-infinite isotropic elastic solid is a material that extends infinitely in one direction and has the same physical properties in all directions. This means that it has the same elasticity and strength regardless of the direction in which it is being tested.

How does the elasticity of the solid affect the bullet?

The elasticity of the solid determines how the material will respond to the impact of the bullet. If the material is highly elastic, it can absorb the energy from the bullet and deform without breaking. If the material is less elastic, it may break or shatter upon impact.

What happens to the bullet after it hits the solid?

After the bullet hits the solid, it will either bounce off or become embedded in the material. This depends on the elasticity of the material and the velocity and size of the bullet. If the bullet has enough force, it can also cause the material to fracture or disintegrate.

How does the density of the material affect the impact of the bullet?

The density of the material also plays a role in how the bullet will behave upon impact. A denser material will be more resistant to deformation and may cause the bullet to ricochet or fragment. A less dense material may allow the bullet to penetrate deeper or even pass through completely.

Are there any safety precautions that need to be taken when shooting a bullet at a half-infinite isotropic elastic solid?

Yes, it is important to always follow proper safety protocols and wear appropriate protective gear when conducting any scientific experiment involving projectiles. Additionally, it is important to consider the potential for ricochets or fragmentation of the material and ensure that the surrounding environment is safe for conducting such experiments.

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