| From: | shadowrn@*********.com (shadowrn@*********.com) |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Muzzle Energy with bows and bullets Was Re: Eh...why not I |
| Date: | Mon Mar 19 17:45:00 2001 |
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Sven De Herdt" <sven.deherdt@******.com>
>> Considering that a bullet probably has much more speed and kinetic energy
>to
>> penetrate this kind of armour than the ancient long bows, I wouldn't allow
>a
>> ballistic rating higher than 2.
>>
>> just my thoughts,
>>
>> -sven ;)
>
>My thoughts: 'probably' doesn't hack it for this discussion. Go do the
>physics.
>
>Ancient longbow KE was not 'low' compared to modern firearms.
Yep, they sure as heck were low compared to bullets.
The bullets weigh less than arrows, but not incredibly so, while the
velocities are 10 or more times greater.
As kinetic energy goes as 1/2 mass times (velocity squared)m velocity makes
a hell of a lot more difference than mass does.
For example, a Glock 18 9mm pistol (and mind you, pistol muzzle velocity is
much, much slower than rifles) has a muzzle velocity of 1132 feet per
second or ~345 m/s and a projectile weight of 8 grams, for a muzzle energy
of (approx) 476 joules
>From another source, an arrow had a weight of 1.5 ounces, or approx 42.5
grams. Same source had the velocity as 150 fps, or 45 mps, which gives an
energy of 43 joules.
Quie a bit less, I'd say.
For reference, a desert Eagle .50AE has a muzzle energy of ~1650 joules
Also, a .308 civillian round has ~2719 joules muzzle energy, the M-16A2 has
~1712 joules.
All quite a bit more than an arrow.
Dave
