- May 8, 2022
Tim
Ballistics
Table of Contents
Ballistics
Ballistics is the study of the physics involved in the propulsion, flight and terminal impact of a bullet or projectile. These areas are broken down as the following:
- Internal ballistics
- Intermediate ballistics
- External ballistics
- Terminal ballistics
Areas of Ballistics
Internal Ballistics
Internal ballistics starts in the chamber of a firearm, where the chemical energy of a propellant coverts into the kinetic energy of a projectile. It ends when the bullet leaves the muzzle.
Intermediate Ballistics
Intermediate or transitional ballistics occupies the area between when the bullet leaves the muzzle and the pressure propelling the projectile is equalized.
External Ballistics
External ballistics covers the bullet trajectory or flight. If only under the influence of gravity then the bullet trajectory is parabolic. There are other forces at play however:
- Drag
- Lift
- Meteorological conditions
- Coriolis effect
Terminal Ballistics
Terminal ballistics is the study the bullet when it hits the target.
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