How Is Gun Recoil Force Calculated?

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SUMMARY

The calculation of gun recoil force is based on the change in momentum before and after a shot, utilizing the principle of conservation of momentum. For a gun of mass M firing a bullet of mass m with an exit velocity V_o, the recoil force (Ft) can be expressed as Ft = -MV = mV_o. It is essential to consider the actual reaction torque from the rifling, particularly in magnum-caliber handguns, as it significantly impacts recoil perception. The discussion emphasizes the importance of calculating the change in momentum for the gun itself rather than the gun-bullet system.

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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 V_o and as a result the gun goes backwards with velocity V

Therefore ina short time t :

Ft=MV-mV_o
 
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 V_o and as a result the gun goes backwards with velocity V

Therefore ina short time t :

Ft=MV- mV_o
I think you meant:
Ft = -MV = mV_o

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:
Ft = -MV = mV_o

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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