Science Fair, pressure to break a bone

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the pressure (PSI) experienced by a bone in ballistic gel when subjected to a hexagonal weight dropped from various heights. The weight measures 1.5 inches per side, with a calculated surface area of 13.5 square inches. The force applied is derived from a Newton value of 1599, which can be converted to pounds using the conversion factor of 4.4. The formula for calculating PSI is established as Pounds divided by Area (in²).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically force and pressure.
  • Familiarity with unit conversions, particularly between Newtons and pounds.
  • Knowledge of geometric calculations for surface area.
  • Basic grasp of pressure calculations (PSI = Force/Area).
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between force, area, and pressure in physics.
  • Learn about the properties of ballistic gel and its applications in impact testing.
  • Study the conversion of units, specifically between Newtons and pounds.
  • Explore the effects of material stiffness on pressure distribution.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, educators teaching mechanics, and individuals interested in material testing and impact analysis.

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Homework Statement



Okay, basically I had a bone in ballistic gels, and I dropped a hexagon (6 sided) weight with the measurements of 1 and 1/2 inches per side from 1 feet, 1 1/2 feet and 2 feet on the ballistic gel enclosed bone. Basically I will need a formula to calculate the psi that he bone experienced.

Edit: I calculated the area of the weight to be 13 1/2 square inches, but please double check this.

According to http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/flobi.html , the N (Newton?) is 1599, can we convert it to PSI?

Homework Equations



How much PSI did the dropping weight cause on the bone?

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to find a formula to calculate it, but was not really successful.


Edit: Okay, so the surface area is 13.5 square inches.. i do not know what formula to use to calculate PSI from this point.
 
Last edited:
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You can't calculate it. If the bone is stiff and doesn't bend a lot, it would exert a huge force; if it does bend a lot, it would exert a small force. You really need to have something push down on the bone with its weight rather than dropping something and hoping to calculate pressure that way.
 
pounds x 4.4 = Newtons

1599/4.4 = pounds

Pounds/Area(in^2) = psi
 

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