Rapid Expansion at Subsonic Speed or Kinetic Energy Cavity: A Controversial Concept in Ballistics

In the field of ballistics, there is a long-standing debate about the effects of high-velocity projectiles on living targets. One concept that has sparked controversy among scientists and hunters alike is hydrostatic shock, also known as hydro-shock. This phenomenon refers to the idea that a penetrating projectile can produce a pressure wave that causes remote neural damage, subtle damage in neural tissues, and rapid effects in living targets.

The concept of hydrostatic shock was first proposed by E. Harvey Newton and his research group at Princeton University in 1947. They suggested that when a high-velocity bullet hits the body and moves through soft tissues, pressures develop which are measured in thousands of atmospheres. These pressure waves were believed to be responsible for causing instant death in animals hit by high-velocity bullets.

However, not all researchers agree with this theory. Martin Fackler has argued that sonic pressure waves do not cause tissue disruption and that temporary cavity formation is the actual cause of tissue disruption mistakenly ascribed to sonic pressure waves. He believes that the concept of hydrostatic shock is oversimplified and does not take into account the complex interactions between the projectile, the target tissue, and the surrounding environment.

Despite these controversies, proponents of the concept argue that hydrostatic shock can produce remote neural damage and produce incapacitation more quickly than blood loss effects. They believe that this phenomenon is responsible for the rapid expansion at subsonic speed or kinetic energy cavity observed in living targets hit by high-velocity projectiles.

Recent studies have provided further insights into the mechanisms underlying hydrostatic shock. For example, research has shown that average time until incapacitation decreases rapidly with pressure wave magnitude as magnitudes approach 500 psi (3,400 kPa). This suggests that even small increases in pressure wave intensity can lead to significant changes in the effects of high-velocity projectiles on living targets.

In conclusion, while the concept of hydrostatic shock remains controversial among scientists and hunters, it is clear that pressure waves play a crucial role in understanding the effects of high-velocity projectiles on living targets. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and to determine its relevance to wound ballistics and combat medicine.

Rapid expansion at subsonic speed or kinetic energy cavity