Undergrad Maximizing Compound Bow Power: The Role of Longer Limbs Explained

[kingofjong]

TL;DR

longer limbs equal more power

Hello

If a compound bow has longer limbs will it have more power? Longer limbs means more limbs, hence more tension is building when limbs bend. That tension transfers to the bow string. Is this a true statement. I know there are other factors for making a powerful compound bow. Is long limbs one of the factors for powerful compound bow.

Thanks
Kingofjong

 

[Baluncore]

If a compound bow has longer limbs will it have more power?

The length and strength of your arms dictate the length and thickness of the bow, and any compound arrangement.

Energy is stored in the bow by elastic compression and tension. The stored energy must be distributed throughout the bow material, in a way that can be recovered quickly, without failure. Component material not fully involved in storing energy must be carried around as unnecessary extra weight.

The force on the arrow needs to be maximised over the available period of time. The bow string is involved in impedance matching the bow to the arrow. There will be an optimum arrangement of string and pulleys beyond which only very light, or very heavy arrows, will be released efficiently.

If you change one dimension of the bow, you must compensate by changing other dimensions to maintain or increase the available energy stored. You need a balanced and matched design. Length is not everything.