Newton's law of equal/opposite reaction, and bullet impact...

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Newton's law of equal and opposite reactions, specifically regarding the forces involved when a bullet impacts a target. Participants clarify that the bullet experiences a reaction force from the target, which is essential for stopping the bullet. The conversation also explores the misconception that there is no opposing force during impact, emphasizing that the reaction force is what prevents the bullet from continuing indefinitely. Additionally, a participant expresses interest in methods to absorb kinetic energy or negate impact forces entirely.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of kinetic energy and momentum
  • Familiarity with material properties and impact dynamics
  • Concept of reaction forces in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for kinetic energy absorption in materials
  • Explore advanced concepts in impact dynamics and material science
  • Learn about ballistic testing and its implications for target design
  • Investigate technologies for reducing impact forces in engineering applications
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineers, material scientists, and anyone interested in the dynamics of projectile impacts and energy absorption techniques.

davidsirmons
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When fired, a slug's acceleration down a barrel produces an equal backward force. I get that.
What I DON'T get, is why there is no rebounding force counter to a slug's impact by the material being struck? The material/molecules simply get impacted and pushed via the force generated. Why is there no equal reaction going in the opposite direction of the bullet? By all observation, the forces exerted by a slug impact do NOT have equal opposing force against the bullet.
 
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davidsirmons said:
By all observation, the forces exerted by a slug impact do NOT have equal opposing force against the bullet.
They do. That's what stops the bullet once it hits the target. Without a reaction force supplied by the material being struck, the bullet would just continue ahead with constant velocity.
 
davidsirmons said:
When fired, a slug's acceleration down a barrel produces an equal backward force. I get that.
What I DON'T get, is why there is no rebounding force counter to a slug's impact by the material being struck? The material/molecules simply get impacted and pushed via the force generated. Why is there no equal reaction going in the opposite direction of the bullet? By all observation, the forces exerted by a slug impact do NOT have equal opposing force against the bullet.

What makes you say that? The bullet is stopped or slowed by the target by reaction forces.

If you mean a paper target, both action and reaction are slight.
 
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that indeed a reaction is taking place, though I was thinking double the reaction (i.e. reversing the bullet direction)
Am looking for a way to either absorb kinetic energy entirely without broad transmission, or some other way to negate to 0 impact forces.
 
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davidsirmons said:
Am looking for a way to either absorb kinetic energy entirely without broad transmission, or some other way to negate to 0 impact forces.

I don't understand what that means. Please state your question more clearly.
 

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