Quote:
Originally Posted by zombietactics:
It's not a question of "dismissing" it, rather a point that it's not the important factor in play. You can derive cross-sectional area starting with the radius as well ... it's just an innumerate way to look at the problem.
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That is nonsense. Diameter is an important factor in the determination of cross-sectional area. In fact, it is
the main determinant since п is nothing more than a constant.
Radius is simply one half of the diameter.
The formula for cross-sectional area is
пr²
or, if you wanna express it terms of diameter
п(½D)²
because r = ½D
Any fourth grader can tell you this.
Either way you must use some function of the diameter of the bullet's expansion face to determine the cross-sectional area of the circular face. For this reason, it is
the most important factor in play. You CANNOT determine the cross-sectional area of a bullet without it.
ETA-
If you don't believe me, perhaps you'll take it from here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle
Check out the illustration at the upper right corner of the page in the link.
Can't believe we have to argue such simple matters these days.