Tower Height for Lead Bullets: Can Someone Help?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the appropriate height for a shot tower used in the production of lead bullets. Participants explore the factors influencing this height, including gravity, mechanical energy, and thermodynamics, while also referencing historical practices and existing shot towers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the historical context of shot towers, indicating they were designed based on experience rather than precise calculations.
  • Another participant suggests that meaningful calculations for tower height would be complex, though a computer model might be feasible.
  • A different participant emphasizes the need to calculate the tower height based on various factors, including gravity and thermodynamics, expressing difficulty in doing so.
  • It is mentioned that the height of the tower must allow lead droplets to form a spherical shape and cool sufficiently to avoid deformation upon hitting the water.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact height required for the tower, with some suggesting reliance on historical practices and others advocating for a calculated approach. Multiple competing views remain regarding the methodology for determining the height.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the specific calculations needed to determine the tower height, as well as dependencies on various physical principles that may not have been fully explored in the discussion.

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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