Figure 5.

The kinetic energy of a weapon fired into ballistics gelatin is a better predictor of puncture depth and tear length than either momentum or velocity. Results from 20 experimental trials with a ballistic testing system varying both the mass and velocity of the projectiles show a strong correlation between the kinetic energy of the projectile arrow in mid-flight and the extent of penetration measured as either overall penetration depth or the length of the fracture zone (tear length). Neither projectile momentum nor speed show as strong of a correlation with puncture depth as energy.