Death by Shockwave: Effects of Naval Cannons in 1800s

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of shockwaves generated by naval cannons during the 1800s, particularly in the context of battles involving 18, 24, and 32-pound cannonballs. Participants debate the plausibility of sailors being injured by shockwaves from cannon fire, with references to muzzle velocities ranging from 1,600 ft/s for 32-pounders to 2,690 ft/s for modern naval artillery. The conversation highlights skepticism regarding historical accounts of injuries caused by shockwaves, suggesting that such claims lack substantial evidence and may stem from myths rather than documented occurrences.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of naval artillery, specifically 18th and 19th-century cannon types.
  • Knowledge of shockwave physics and its effects on human anatomy.
  • Familiarity with historical naval battles, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars.
  • Basic principles of hydrostatics and cavitation phenomena.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the historical performance and specifications of 18th-century naval cannons.
  • Study the physics of shockwaves and their impact on living organisms.
  • Examine documented cases of injuries in naval battles to identify patterns and causes.
  • Explore the concept of cavitation and its implications in medical and military contexts.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for historians, military enthusiasts, and medical professionals interested in the effects of artillery on human health, as well as anyone studying the dynamics of naval warfare in the early 19th century.

  • #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: