Equation for force from Vf, mass, and joules?

[ryan31394]

So I'm doing some research regarding firearms and need to know the amount of force on the bolt assembly as the bullet is fired. Using a .45 caliber Federal bullet, the mass of the projectile is 15 g, the energy is 500j, and the Vf is 260 m/s. I need to know how to convert these numbers into a function of force, and, if possible, into acceleration. Essentially, I'm wanting to know the acceleration of a given mass based on the force or acceleration produced by the bullet. If any more information is needed, please let me know and I'll do my best to produce it. Thanks!

 

[berkeman]

So I'm doing some research regarding firearms and need to know the amount of force on the bolt assembly as the bullet is fired. Using a .45 caliber Federal bullet, the mass of the projectile is 15 g, the energy is 500j, and the Vf is 260 m/s. I need to know how to convert these numbers into a function of force, and, if possible, into acceleration. Essentially, I'm wanting to know the acceleration of a given mass based on the force or acceleration produced by the bullet. If any more information is needed, please let me know and I'll do my best to produce it. Thanks!

Welcome to the PF.

Wikipedia has a reasonable intro article about the subject of firearm physics:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics_of_firearms

If you don't understand something in the article, post a quote here and we should be able to help you understand it.

 

[SteamKing]

You should research the topic 'internal ballistics'.

 

[ryan31394]

Thanks for the replies and links!

 

[PJC01]

The equation for force is F = m x a, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration. In this case, we can use the given values of mass (15 g) and velocity (260 m/s) to calculate the acceleration of the bullet. We can then use the equation F = m x a to determine the force exerted on the bolt assembly by the bullet.

To convert the energy (500 J) into acceleration, we can use the equation E = 1/2 x m x v^2, where E is energy, m is mass, and v is velocity. By rearranging this equation, we can solve for acceleration (a = 2 x E/m x v^2). Plugging in the given values, we get an acceleration of 6,153,846 m/s^2.

To determine the force exerted on the bolt assembly, we can use the equation F = m x a. Plugging in the mass of the bullet (15 g) and the calculated acceleration (6,153,846 m/s^2), we get a force of 92.3 N.

Please note that these calculations are based on ideal conditions and may not accurately reflect the actual force and acceleration produced by the bullet in a real-life scenario. Additionally, there may be other factors at play, such as air resistance, that can affect the force and acceleration of the bullet. It is important to consider all variables when researching firearms and their impact.