Tower Height for Lead Bullets: Can Someone Help?

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SUMMARY

The optimal height for a lead shot tower, used to produce spherical lead pellets, is determined by several factors including gravity, mechanical energy, and thermodynamics. Historical designs, such as the Bristol Shot Tower, were based on experience rather than precise calculations. The primary purpose of the tower's height is to ensure that lead droplets solidify into a spherical shape before hitting the water pool below, preventing deformation. The referenced Wikipedia articles provide additional insights into the necessary height and the quenching process involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles related to cooling and solidification.
  • Familiarity with mechanical energy concepts and their application in projectile design.
  • Knowledge of gravity's effect on falling objects and fluid dynamics.
  • Awareness of historical manufacturing methods for lead shot production.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design parameters of historical shot towers, focusing on the Bristol Shot Tower.
  • Explore the principles of thermodynamics involved in the cooling of molten lead.
  • Investigate modern computer modeling techniques for simulating droplet formation and cooling.
  • Learn about the quenching process and its impact on the quality of lead pellets.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for engineers, materials scientists, and manufacturers involved in the production of lead shot, as well as historians interested in industrial manufacturing techniques.

Adhna
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Can someone help my problem

Grains of lead bullets used in rifle cartridge made of small round pellets 2-3mm in diameter and is made by dripping molten lead from a tall tower , this method has been used since its invention by William Watts in 1782. To produce granules of lead ball must be ensured droplets copper liquid freezes before reaching the runway . How high should we build a tower ?
 
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I've seen one of these working . The Bristol one as shown in small pictures here :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_tower

More about the Bristol one here :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheese_Lane_Shot_Tower

This is a much older one in action :


To answer your question - shot towers were always designed by experience rather than by calculation .
Meaningful calculations would in any case be very difficult to do . A computer model might be possible .

Note that shot towers were always very high .
 
Ok, in my case should calculate high the tower. It use many factors like gravity, mechanical energy, or thermodynamics. I stuck with that. But thank you Nidum for this information it will helpful
 
The referenced Wiki site give you the required height and clarifies the method of quenching and transport. The tower height is what is required to only to allow the lead droplet to configure into a spherical shape and then cool to the point that it will not deform upon striking the water pool.
 
Thank you your explanation JBA
 

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