The document discusses the phenomenon of ricochet, which refers to the deflection of a projectile after it strikes a hard surface, leading to changes in trajectory, energy loss, and instability. Factors such as the target material, striking angle, and bullet characteristics significantly influence ricochet behavior, impacting safety and accuracy in shooting scenarios. Understanding these effects is crucial for forensic ballistics, law enforcement, and military applications to prevent accidents and aid investigations.

1. Sasha Vassula Fernandes
24MFOR42
Ricochet
and its
effects
FORENSIC PHYSICS AND BALLISTICS SEMINAR

2. Ricochet phenomenon refers to
the deflection of projectile from
its trajectory or line of motion
after hitting a hard object.
RICOHET
Introduction to:

3. Pictorial dipiction of Ricochet

4. Effects of Ricochet
1 2
Whenever a bullet is fired on a target it will either penetrate or bounce off and
continue at certain angle and when it bounces (deflects) it produces following
effects:
Change in
Trajectory
Loss of energy
& Angle of deflection
also undergoes a
substantial change.
3
Losses its
gyroscopic
stability
4
Range
decreased
5
May carry material
from the
intermidiate
surface

5. Change in Trajectory
A change in trajectory means a change
in the path or direction of a projectile,
or a change in a process that leads to a
particular result.
The direction of the bullet changes
significantly upon impact with a
surface, often deflecting in an
unpredictable direction.

6. Loss of energy
& Angle of deflection also undergoes a
substantial change
Energy Loss:
A ricocheting bullet can lose up to
one-third of its total energy,
resulting in reduced velocity and
impact force after deflection.
Substantial Deflection Angle Change:
The angle of deflection is typically much
different from the original trajectory,
depending on the surface type, angle of
impact, and bullet speed.

7. Loss of gyroscopic
stability
Gyroscopic stability is the ability of
a spinning object to maintain its
orientation and resist changes to
its axis of rotation. The faster an
object spins, the greater its
gyroscopic stability.
After ricocheting, the bullet can
lose gyroscopic stability, causing it
to tumble rather than continue
spinning in a straight trajectory.

8. Range decreased
Contrary to the belief that a
ricochet could give the bullet more
elevation and range, the range of
a ricocheted bullet is generally
shorter due to energy loss and
instability.

9. May carry material from the
intermidiate surface
After ricocheting, the bullet may
carry material from the surface it
struck, which could affect its
further behavior, trajectory, or
stability.

10. Fctors affecting Ricochet
2 3
Target material
(Density)
Striking
Angle
4 5
Distance
6
Bullet
Shape
1
Velocity
Bullet
material

11. 2
understanding bullet ricochet is essential for ensuring
safety, improving accuracy, and managing risks in
shooting scenarios. Ricochet can cause unpredictable
bullet trajectories, leading to unintended injuries or
damage. It plays a critical role in fields such as forensic
ballistics, law enforcement, military operations, and
safety engineering, where knowing how a bullet behaves
after hitting a surface can help prevent accidents, aid
investigations, and inform protective designs.
CONCLUSION

12. Ricochet | Military Tactics, Ballistic
Trajectory & Targeting | Britannica. (n.d.).
Retrieved September 17, 2024, from
https://www.britannica.com/technology/ri
cochet
RICOCHET | PPT. (n.d.). Retrieved
September 17, 2024, from
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/ric
ochet-120209113/120209113#2
2
REFERENCES