Expert: Mark Janus - 1/22/2005

Question
I will be doing a science fair project on how the mass of an arrow affects its penetrating distance into a target. I will be changing the mass on the arrow, and changing where the mass would be placed.  Is there any research on this subject that I could look up for my background information?

Answer
I don't know of anything specific.....  you may look at some archery magazines (where often times manufacturers discuss the properties of their products)....

Also, try looking for a physics book.....  what you are dealing with is a "system" involving a center of gravity location (how large and where the mass is distributed) and a drag force (the arrow itself and primarily the feathers at the base of the arrow) for stability and the launching velocity, drag, and final velocity for penetrating ability....

Hope that helps,
mj