How hard does it hit? A revised study of atlatl and dart ballistics
Author(s): Daryl Hrdlicka
Year: 2003
Summary
J. Whittaker: Three variables for comparison: how hard it hits (kinetic energy), how hard it is to stop (momentum) and how effectively it penetrates (sectional density). Calculations for spears, atlatl darts, arrows, bullets. Darts much less kinetic energy (KE = 1/2 Mass x Velocity squared) than bullets, but more than arrows, and plenty to take big game by archery standards. Momentum = Mass X Velocity so darts less than heavy spears or fast bullets, but more than .357 magnum or arrows. High momentum promotes penetration, especially of harder tissues. Sectional density (Weight/Diameter 2) also affects penetration – denser, smaller projectiles penetrate better, so darts very effective, relatively heavy and small. [Improved version of 2002. Good explanations of physics, but I still think a “slug-ft/sec” is a measurement used in slow garden races.]
Cite this Record
How hard does it hit? A revised study of atlatl and dart ballistics. Daryl Hrdlicka. The Atlatl. 16 (2): 15-18. 2003 ( tDAR id: 423121)
URL: http://www.thudscave.com/npaa/articles/howhard.htm
Keywords
Temporal Keywords
Bronze Age
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Chalcolithic
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Iron Age
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Mesolithic
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Neolithic
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Palaeolithic
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Viking Age
Individual & Institutional Roles
Contact(s): EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection Manager
Record Identifiers
ExArc Id(s): 9911
Notes
Rights & Attribution: The information in this record was originally compiled by Dr. Roeland Paardekooper, EXARC Director.