Suppressor Schlieren Shock Waves in Slow Motion - Smarter Every Day 204

TL;DR

This video explores the science behind suppressors and how they work to reduce the noise produced by firearms.

Transcript

• A quick caveat before we get started here, I do not want Smarter Every Day to be observed as a channel that glorifies weaponry. I am just fascinated by fluid dynamics, ballistics, optics, mechanics, aerodynamics. All this stuff is just fascinating to me. And I am hard-pressed to find one singular thing that I can study that wraps all these physic... Read More

Key Insights

• 💐 The video explores the phenomenon of shockwaves created by supersonic bullets and their similarities to transonic flow around aircraft.
• 🆘 Suppressors help in dissipating acoustic energy slowly, resulting in a reduced overall noise produced by firearms.
• 🥵 Suppressors capture thermal energy, which can cause them to heat up quickly when firing repeatedly.
• 🍃 Firing subsonic ammunition with a suppressor allows for observing unburnt powder leaving the muzzle and the formation of vortex rings.

Questions & Answers

Q: What did the previous episode teach about shockwaves created by supersonic bullets?

The previous episode showed through Schlieren photography that supersonic bullets create an angular shot cone, and the angle of the cone can determine the mach number. It also explained the connection to transonic flow around aircraft.

Q: What is the purpose of the suppressor in reducing the noise produced by firearms?

Suppressors help in dissipating acoustic energy slowly, unlike unsuppressed firearms that produce a sharp and distinct initial sound. This slow dissipation can be likened to a capacitor in a circuit, gradually filtering the energy as it exits.

Q: Why do suppressors heat up quickly?

Suppressors capture the thermal energy, which doesn't dissipate away from the weapon. As a result, when fired continuously, the suppressor can heat up rapidly, leading to potential malfunctions and damage to the firearm.

Q: What can be observed when firing subsonic ammunition from a suppressor?

When firing subsonic ammunition, unburnt powder can be seen leaving the suppressor before the bullet exits. Additionally, little vortex rings may appear, and shockwaves on the sides of the bullet only become visible a few inches away from the muzzle.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The previous episode used a technique called Schlieren photography to study the shockwaves created by supersonic bullets and their connection to transonic flow around aircraft.

• The current episode focuses on studying the area around the suppressor and how it dissipates acoustic energy differently compared to unsuppressed firearms.

• Suppressors heat up quickly due to the captured thermal energy, which can cause malfunctions and damage to the weapon.