Distance a bullet will travel while shot underwater

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance a bullet fired from an AK-47 using 7.62x39mm ammunition will travel underwater. The drag force is calculated using the drag equation, resulting in approximately 850,000 N of force. The challenge lies in deriving a differential equation to account for the varying drag force as the bullet's velocity decreases. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between velocity and drag to solve for the distance traveled.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics, specifically drag force calculations
  • Familiarity with the drag equation and its components
  • Basic knowledge of differential equations
  • Knowledge of ballistics, particularly regarding bullet dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to derive differential equations related to drag force
  • Study the effects of varying drag coefficients on projectile motion
  • Learn about numerical methods for solving differential equations in physics
  • Explore simulations of underwater ballistics to visualize bullet trajectories
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in ballistics and fluid dynamics, particularly in understanding projectile motion in non-standard environments like underwater.

Wanna_be_Feynman
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Homework Statement


hey

I am trying to work out the problem:
If I shoot an ak47 underwater with 7.62x39mm ammunition, how far will the bullet travel before coming to a stop?

Homework Equations



The equation that I have used to find the drag force is the drag equation:

F =1/2 p*A*C_d*v^2

where:
p is the density of the water (1000 kg/m^3)
v is the velocity of the bullet (730 m/s)
A is the cross sectional area of the bullet with diameter 7.62mm
C_d is the drag coefficient to which I am using 0.29 based from a website which had statistics about the bullet

The Attempt at a Solution


I have found this I get approximately 850, 000 N of force. I am then stuck as to how to calculate the distance the bullet travels before it stops.
 
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Wanna_be_Feynman said:

The Attempt at a Solution


I have found this I get approximately 850, 000 N of force. I am then stuck as to how to calculate the distance the bullet travels before it stops.

Because the drag force varies with velocity, you will get a differential equation in ##v##. The drag force will not be constant. The first step is to derive this differential equation.
 
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