How Is Gun Recoil Force Calculated?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the calculation of gun recoil force, exploring the principles of momentum conservation and the effects of various factors on recoil. It includes theoretical considerations and potential practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that gun recoil force can be calculated using the change in momentum before and after the shot, specifically referencing the conservation of momentum.
  • One participant presents a formula involving the mass of the gun (M), mass of the bullet (m), and the bullet's exit velocity (V_o), suggesting that the recoil force can be expressed as Ft = MV - mV_o.
  • Another participant corrects the formula to Ft = -MV = mV_o, indicating a potential misunderstanding in the initial presentation.
  • It is noted that for a more accurate calculation of recoil, factors such as reaction torque from rifling should be considered, particularly in magnum-caliber handguns, while being less significant in rifles and shotguns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct formulation of the recoil force and the factors that should be included in the calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise application of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the system, the definitions of terms used, and the potential impact of external factors like reaction torque, which are not fully explored.

ajoshi
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How the gun recoil force is calculated.
 
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Gun recoil force for a time t can be calculated by knowing the change in momentum that takes place before and after the shot takes place.Generally in problems you will be given the velocity with which the bullet leaves the gun ...So you can calculate the "backwards reaction momentum" by simple application of "conservation of momentum.

Suppose:

A gun of mass M shoots a bullet of mass m and this bullety leaves the gun with velocity [itex]V_o[/itex] and as a result the gun goes backwards with velocity [itex]V[/itex]

Therefore ina short time t :

[itex]Ft=MV-mV_o[/itex]
 
Dr.Brain said:
Gun recoil force for a time t can be calculated by knowing the change in momentum that takes place before and after the shot takes place.Generally in problems you will be given the velocity with which the bullet leaves the gun ...So you can calculate the "backwards reaction momentum" by simple application of "conservation of momentum.

Suppose:

A gun of mass M shoots a bullet of mass m and this bullety leaves the gun with velocity [itex]V_o[/itex] and as a result the gun goes backwards with velocity [itex]V[/itex]

Therefore ina short time t :

[itex]Ft=MV- mV_o[/itex]
I think you meant:
[itex]Ft = -MV = mV_o[/itex]

AM
 
Dr.Brain said:
So you can calculate the "backwards reaction momentum" by simple application of "conservation of momentum.
Note also that if you're looking for an 'actual' as opposed to 'theoretical' solution, reaction torque from the rifling must be accounted for. It's insignificant in a rifle, and non-existent in a shotgun, but is very noticeable when you get into magnum-calibre handguns.
 
Andrew Mason said:
I think you meant:
[itex]Ft = -MV = mV_o[/itex]

AM


thanx.. actually the change in momentum for the gun is to be taken and not the change in momentum for the gun-bullet system
 

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