Equation for force from Vf, mass, and joules?

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    Force Joules Mass
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force exerted on a bolt assembly in firearms when a bullet is fired. Participants explore the relationship between the bullet's mass, energy, and final velocity, seeking to derive a function for force and acceleration based on these parameters. The context includes theoretical and applied aspects of internal ballistics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents specific parameters for a .45 caliber bullet, including mass (15 g), energy (500 J), and final velocity (260 m/s), and seeks to convert these into a function of force and acceleration.
  • Another participant suggests researching 'internal ballistics' as a relevant topic for understanding the physics involved.
  • A participant references a Wikipedia article on the physics of firearms, offering it as a resource for further understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus, as participants are in the early stages of exploring the topic and have not yet provided definitive answers or solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not yet clarified the assumptions or specific equations they intend to use for calculating force and acceleration, leaving some mathematical steps unresolved.

ryan31394
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So I'm doing some research regarding firearms and need to know the amount of force on the bolt assembly as the bullet is fired. Using a .45 caliber Federal bullet, the mass of the projectile is 15 g, the energy is 500j, and the Vf is 260 m/s. I need to know how to convert these numbers into a function of force, and, if possible, into acceleration. Essentially, I'm wanting to know the acceleration of a given mass based on the force or acceleration produced by the bullet. If any more information is needed, please let me know and I'll do my best to produce it. Thanks!
 
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ryan31394 said:
So I'm doing some research regarding firearms and need to know the amount of force on the bolt assembly as the bullet is fired. Using a .45 caliber Federal bullet, the mass of the projectile is 15 g, the energy is 500j, and the Vf is 260 m/s. I need to know how to convert these numbers into a function of force, and, if possible, into acceleration. Essentially, I'm wanting to know the acceleration of a given mass based on the force or acceleration produced by the bullet. If any more information is needed, please let me know and I'll do my best to produce it. Thanks!

Welcome to the PF.

Wikipedia has a reasonable intro article about the subject of firearm physics:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics_of_firearms

If you don't understand something in the article, post a quote here and we should be able to help you understand it.
 
You should research the topic 'internal ballistics'.
 
Thanks for the replies and links!
 

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