Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Conducting Elevated Temperature Normal and Combined Pressure-Shear Plate Impact Experiments Via a Breech-end Sabot Heater System
Published on: August 7, 2018
Temporary cavity created by free-flying projectiles propelled from a powder-actuated nail gun
Matthias Frank1, Holger C Schönekeß, Frank Jäger
1Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medicine Greifswald, Sauerbruchstraße, 17475, Greifswald, Germany. matthias.frank@uni-greifswald.de
Abstract:
Nails and driving pins discharged from powder-actuated fastening tools bear some special ballistic characteristics. Compared to the usual pistol or revolver projectiles, the sectional density (S) of fastening pins is extremely high. The general prevailing opinion is that the kinetic energy delivered by fastening tools is not high enough to cause a temporary cavity. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to investigate the wound morphology due to fastening bolts discharged from a powder-actuated direct-acting nail gun (where, in contrast to modern piston-type tools, the expanding gases act directly on the fastener) using ballistic soap blocks as simulants. For test shots, a direct-acting powder-actuated nail gun which features three interchangeable barrels (caliber (cal.) 6, 8, and 10 mm) was used. The average kinetic energy was 537, 532, and 694 J for the 6-, 8-, and 10-mm cal. bolts, respectively. Test shots on the ballistic soap blocks demonstrated that free-flying projectiles discharged from direct-acting fastening tools are able to create a temporary cavity.
Related Concept Videos
Masonry Cavity Walls
Maintaining a clean cavity during construction is...
Cavity Drainage and Flashings in Masonry walls
Weep holes, strategically placed at the base of the cavity, are critical for draining accumulated water. These openings are created by leaving head...
Wood Fasteners
Nails are the most common fasteners, consisting of sharp-pointed metal pins that are driven into wood using a hammer or a mechanical nail gun. They come in a variety of diameters, heads, and lengths. Nailing techniques include...
Expansion and Contraction in Masonry Walls
To...
Moment of a Force: Problem Solving
Shotcrete

