How far can a modern arrow penetrate through steel?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter jetwaterluffy
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SUMMARY

An arrow shot from a modern compound bow can penetrate thin sheets of steel, but it is unlikely to penetrate reinforced steel doors. The energy conservation principle indicates that the work done by the archer can allow for penetration, but the effectiveness depends on the arrow's design and the bow's specifications. Regular broadheads are not suitable for penetrating thick steel, while arrows can easily penetrate softer materials like wood and rock, depending on their thickness.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of compound bow mechanics
  • Knowledge of arrow design and materials
  • Familiarity with energy conservation principles in physics
  • Experience with various target materials (steel, wood, rock)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications of modern compound bows, such as draw weight and arrow speed
  • Investigate different arrowhead designs, focusing on broadheads versus field points
  • Study the properties of materials like steel, wood, and rock regarding penetration resistance
  • Explore energy transfer mechanics in archery to understand penetration capabilities
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Archers, materials scientists, and anyone interested in the physics of projectile penetration and archery performance.

jetwaterluffy
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Someone told me that an arrow shot from a compound bow can go through a reinforced steel door. I just want to find out how true that is. How far can an arrow shot by an athlete with a modern bow specially prepared for them shoot through steel? Also, how far can they shoot through wood, or rock?
 
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I'm sceptical. But perhaps for a very thin sheet of steel. By energy conservation, it means that the work done by the athlete on the bow would be sufficient to penetrate the steel.
 
So no-one knows, then?
 
I don't know about a reinforced steel door now, especially with a regular broadhead. Going through steel drums/barrels aint as much of a problem, but you arent talking about very much thickness there.
 

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