Momentum transfer from a transiting bullet

[wirenut67]

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[Chewy0087]

Well the energy which it transfers, assuming it's all given in heat/other energy to the target is it's loss in Kinetic Energy;

[tex] \frac{1}{2}mU^2 - \frac{1}{2}mV^2 [/tex]

where U is it's initial speed and V is it's final speed after the impact, is that what you're looking for?

 

[HallsofIvy]

You appear to be confused between "momentum" and "energy". ft-lbs is a measure of energy, NOT force. Also, knowing how much energy or momentum the bullet lost will NOT tell you the "force applied to the target". you would also need to know either the time or the distance in which the bullet lost momentum or energy. Energy is average force times distance. And "distance" depends upon the substance the target is made of. A person dropping, from a given height, onto a matress will lose exactly the same momentum and energy as a person dropping from the same height onto a steel plate but the force experienced will be a lot less.

 

[wirenut67]

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[PJC01]

The transfer of momentum from a transiting bullet is a complex process that involves the interaction of multiple physical forces. When a bullet is fired, it is propelled forward by the force of the expanding gases from the gunpowder. As the bullet travels through the air, it experiences drag force, which slows it down and causes it to lose momentum.

When the bullet impacts a target, it transfers its momentum to the target, causing it to move. This transfer of momentum is dependent on the mass and velocity of the bullet, as well as the elasticity and strength of the target. The amount of momentum transferred can also be affected by factors such as the angle and speed of the bullet upon impact.

In addition to the initial transfer of momentum, there can also be secondary transfers as the bullet fragments or ricochets off of the target. These secondary transfers can be unpredictable and add to the complexity of understanding the full momentum transfer process.

Overall, the transfer of momentum from a transiting bullet involves a combination of initial propulsion, drag forces, and impact forces. It is a crucial factor to consider in understanding the effects of bullets on targets and can have significant implications in fields such as ballistics and forensic science. Further research and experimentation are needed to fully understand and accurately predict the transfer of momentum in these scenarios.