ballistic pendulum

noun

, Physics.

1. a device consisting of a large mass hung from a horizontal bar by two rods, used to measure the velocity of an object, as a bullet, by retaining the object upon impact, its velocity being a function of the displacement of the mass.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballistic pendulum¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

One was the determination of the288 velocity of a bullet fired from a rifle into a Robins ballistic pendulum.

From Project Gutenberg

The experiments were made in the usual manner by firing bullets into a ballistic pendulum, and recording the swing of the pendulum.

From Project Gutenberg

Robins, in 1742, first measured the muzzle-speed of the shot by firing into a ballistic pendulum and noting the swing of the pendulum.

From Project Gutenberg

A modification of the ballistic pendulum was also employed by W.E.

From Project Gutenberg

In sharp contrast here the principle of conservation of momentum may be brought in by ballistic pendulum experiments involving elastic and inelastic impacts.

From Project Gutenberg