Impact Energy & Momentum Reference

Quick reference for kinetic energy, momentum, impulse and their relationships in impact analysis.

Ballistics & Penetration3 min read

referencekinetic energymomentumimpulseimpact

Key formulas

Kinetic energy:  KE = (1/2) * m * v^2
Momentum:        p = m * v
Impulse:         J = integral(F dt) = Delta_p
KE from momentum: KE = p^2 / (2*m)

Energy balance:
  KE_initial = E_plastic + E_fracture + E_heat
             + KE_residual + KE_target