This is a question about a potential invention for a low drag gas nose bullet.

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    Bullet Drag Gas Idea
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a proposed invention involving the emission of a low pressure, low friction gas from the nose of a small arms bullet, with the intention of reducing drag and increasing velocity and range. Participants explore the physics behind this concept, potential gases to use, and the feasibility of the idea.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) suggests that emitting a low pressure gas could lower drag on the bullet, thereby increasing its range and velocity.
  • One participant questions the reasoning behind the idea, suggesting that heating the air around the bullet could reduce wave drag.
  • Another participant inquires about gases that produce extreme heat upon release in a sea level atmosphere.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the feasibility of the idea, questioning how lower pressure gas could be achieved and stored in a small bullet.
  • There is a discussion about the concept of "low friction gas," with suggestions including hydrogen or helium, although the definition remains unclear.
  • One participant draws a parallel to supercavitating torpedoes, wondering if similar principles could apply to projectiles in air.
  • Another participant questions the mechanics of pressure changes when adding gas, suggesting that it may not lead to lower pressure as proposed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with some supporting the exploration of the idea while others challenge its feasibility and underlying physics. No consensus is reached regarding the validity of the concept or the proposed methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the OP's description, particularly regarding the lack of detailed reasoning and the practical challenges of gas storage in bullets. The discussion also highlights uncertainties about the properties and definitions of gases mentioned.

Chris Evans
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I have an idea that I would like to discuss.

My idea is to emit a low pressure low friction gas out the nose of a small arms bullet. I believe it would lower the drag over the body of the bullet thus increasing velocity and range.

I just need to know if the phyics are right is this possible and would it work? I have just filed for a patent so I hope the phyics are right lol.

What do you guyz think would be a good gas?

Any help would be great thanks for looking at the thread.
 
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You haven't described your reasoning, just the idea. Why do you think this would work? I can tell you that if you could somehow heat the air around the bullet you could reduce wave drag, which is substantial on a typical bullet.
 
Is there a pressurised gas that gives off extreme heat when it is released into a sea level atmosphere?
 
You still haven't justified your idea.
 
well I'm not an expert in phyics but i guessing if you release a lower pressure gas over the body of the bullet that means the air is thinner around the bullet thus reducing drag.
 
Are there two types of gas that when mixed have an extreme reation producing an enormous amount of heat?
 
Regardless of the properties of this gas, where is it to be stored? Bullets, the actual projectile part, tend to be pretty small objects.
 
Chris Evans said:
I have an idea that I would like to discuss.

My idea is to emit a low pressure low friction gas out the nose of a small arms bullet. I believe it would lower the drag over the body of the bullet thus increasing velocity and range.

I just need to know if the phyics are right is this possible and would it work? I have just filed for a patent so I hope the phyics are right lol.

What do you guyz think would be a good gas?

Any help would be great thanks for looking at the thread.

Since you have filed for a patent then the the invention and drawings are open to the public. Why not just post all the information (description, drawings, and claims) here so members and visitors can see for themselves exactly what you proposed in the patent application? Then everyone would be far better equipped to offer the opinions and judgements you have asked for. Thank you.

Cheers,
Bobbywhy

(edit) What's a "low friction gas"? Can you give some example of one?
 
Last edited:
(edit) What's a "low friction gas"? Can you give some example of one?

The only thing I can think that the OP might be describing is hydrogen or helium, which is used in *light* *gas* guns, hence the name. But I do not think it is low friction so much as it has a much higher speed of sound than air.
 
  • #10
How do you lower the pressure by adding gas? Adding gas increases the pressure. You can't displace a higher pressure gas with a lower pressure. You probably just end up making the pressure higher still.
 
  • #11
I wonder if OP got his idea from supercavitating torpedoes, which work on a similar principle except underwater.

Not sure if the concept can be extended to a projectile in air...

Would a cryogenic gas have lower friction?
 
  • #12
Lsos said:
I wonder if OP got his idea from supercavitating torpedoes, which work on a similar principle except underwater.

Not sure if the concept can be extended to a projectile in air...

Would a cryogenic gas have lower friction?

I had the same idea: supercavitating torpedoes!
 
  • #13
Bobbywhy said:
Since you have filed for a patent then the the invention and drawings are open to the public. Why not just post all the information (description, drawings, and claims) here so members and visitors can see for themselves exactly what you proposed in the patent application? Then everyone would be far better equipped to offer the opinions and judgements you have asked for. Thank you.

Cheers,
Bobbywhy

(edit) What's a "low friction gas"? Can you give some example of one?

A squirt of WD40?
 

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