November 22nd 2022. Ever wonder what the air around supersonic bullets actually looks like? This video is from Bryan Litz Ballistics’ Facebook page. This Schlieren video* shows a 6mm 109gr Berger LRHT Bullet at approximately 2800 fps. It was fired from Francis Colon’s PRS rifle at Applied Ballistics Lab.
Bryan Litz comments: “You can clearly notice the compression (shock wave) wave at the bullet’s front. A compression wave is formed when air moves faster than sound speed to escape the way. This bullet is moving at 2.5 times the speed sound (Mach 2.5). If you’re downrange, you can hear the shock wave as bullets fly past you. Compressing air into a shockwave requires energy. This energy comes directly from your bullet’s forward velocity and is converted into heat and noise when the shock wave forms. The turbulent wake at base of the bullet indicates where/how base drag applies. Skin friction drag is the third and smallest component for supersonic bullets. It is a viscous boundary effect and is not visible in this image. As you head out to the range or hunting stand, consider the violence that your bullets inflict on the atmosphere before they reach the target. Subscribe to the Science of Accuracy Academy to receive more information on precision rifles and long-range shooting. LINK: TheScienceofAccuracy.com.Science of Academy Contest
Science of Accuracy Academy is currently offering a contest to new subscribers. The winner will receive a Vortex Fury HD 5000 Laser rangefinder binocular unit with Applied Ballistics functionality. Act quickly — the deadline for entering is November 23, 2022 at 12:00 Eastern. * Schlieren imaging makes airflow features visible. SEESchlieren Photography Wikipedia page.
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