Death by Shockwave: Effects of Naval Cannons in 1800s

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The discussion centers on the potential for sailors in naval battles during the age of sail to be injured or killed by shock waves from cannonballs that passed close by, rather than direct hits. Participants express skepticism about the existence and impact of such shock waves, particularly given the lower muzzle velocities of Napoleonic era cannons compared to modern artillery. Some suggest that while the shock wave itself may not cause injury, it could lead to cavitation effects in the body, potentially resulting in fatal strokes without visible marks. Others argue that documented cases of deaths attributed to shock waves are likely myths or misinterpretations of battlefield injuries. Overall, the consensus leans towards a lack of scientific evidence supporting the idea that shock waves from cannonballs were a significant cause of injury or death.
  • #31
Ok, we are now mixing up the shockwaves from explosions, supersonic jets and passing ordnance.

I believe the question that needs to be answered is the following: What velocity would a projectile need to have in order to generate a shockwave similar in magnitude to that produced by explosion that is capable of killing solely by it's shockwave.

The answer is most likely, faster than fast.
 
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  • #33
another possisble mechanism

my husband read the same incident as 1oldman in a history of Nelson's Trafalgar (1805). He told me about it and I was "shocked" LOL because as a physician I could not understand the mechanism of injury. I agree that the cavitation of cerebral vessels could definitely account for the sudden death described. Also refer to a condition called "commotio cordis". Knowing the whiffle bat risk, let me say that I found my first reference to this in Wikipedia. Anyway, even though commotio cordis is described as being caused by blunt trauma, I think it reasonable to consider a shockwave as an instrument of blunt trauma. My husband personally experienced shockwave/blunt trauma as a police officer, when he was shot at close range by a hi-powered pistol while wearing body armor. Two things seem to have saved his life: the ballistic Lexan clipboard that the bullet penetrated before hitting his chest, and the impact didn't occur in that window of vulnerability (see the Wikipedia article). The bruise lasted a month!
 
  • #34
Deat by Shockwave

Uptherebels, thank you for that wonderfully professional explanation to the possible causes of dearth by shockwave and to the reference to commotio cordis in wikipedia. Now all I have to do is find out if Dr. Frysinger agrees that said cannon ball could produce the required shockwave. :smile: