Re: padded vs. unpadded polearms

[Donald DiPaula <dipaula@access.digex.net>]

Poster: Donald DiPaula <dipaula@access.digex.net>

>      Remember, E=Mc(squared).  The potential energy of a padded polearm 
>      head is much higher, due to the weight of the object.  
      
um, that's the potential energy contained in matter at 0 relative velocity
(at rest).  i think what is of more concern here is the kinetic energy, since
you won't see E=mc^2 unless you convert all the matter to pure energy (and
yes, that would knock you out, at least. :)

what you want to work with is energy=work, work=force*distance, and force=
mass*acceleration.  mass you can measure (by weighing the polearm and dividing
by local gravity).  acceleration must account for both linear (it's getting
closer to target) and angular (it's turning) components.

in any case, though, what we're _really_ talking about here are elastic
vs. inelastic collisions and the impact-momentum theory...
in the elastic collision (padded), part of the energy is dissipated by the
deformation of the elastic material (padding), the rest is transferred to
that which is struck (helmet).  in the inelastic collision, we have to
deal with conservation of momentum.

um, do people really want to hear this?  or is it easier to just do a demon-
stration?

put one hand on the table.  put some foam padding on it, a metal plate on top
of the padding, then hit the plate with a hammer.  try it again without the
padding.  try it again now without the plate, either.  see which hurts most.

-A- (being facetious a bit at the end, there)

>      Anybody else been hit on the head with that mallet that the (can't 
>      remember if it's an Anglesidhe (sp?) or Tuchuk) carries?  Concentrated 
>      mass at the end of a seven foot stick.
>      
>      Why do you think the rule used to be (still is) that padded polearms 
>      had to be padded for at least 1/4 of their total length?  To avoid 
>      that very situation.
>      
>      gee, let me think about this, you can either hit me on the head with a 
>      hammer or the stick that holds it.  
>      
>      No-brainer, people...
>      
>      Regards,
>      
>      Ld. Jonathan Blackbow
>      Clan O'Shannon
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Cynthia Alice DiPaula was born 9 June 1997, 3:36 p.m., 7 lb. 10 oz., 20.5"

"Damage jackals ripping right through you: sight and smell of this it, gets
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