answersLogoWhite

0

Theoretically speaking any material can stop a bullet, you just need enough of in the way. Practically speaking, there are two ways to stop a bullet: To bounce it, or to catch it. The two approaches have almost exactly opposite material requirements.

Bullet catching materials, like kevlar and lexan, operate by absorbing the kinetic energy of the moving bullet, slowing it to a stop before the bullet makes it through to the other side. To facilitate this, these materials generally have far lower density than the bullet materials, with either high ductility or flexibility (deform or bend easily). When two materials of differing densities impact, the denser material tranfers energy to the less dense material. This is basically why when you drop a beach ball and soccer ball of equivilent size, whith the beach ball on top, when they hit the ground the beach ball shoots up into the air. On the bullets impact, the kelvar/lexan will deform around the bullet, sapping its energy away.

Bouncing a bullet, which includes deflecting and smashing, generally requires a material with higher density and ridigity than the bullet material; something heavy and tough. High carbon steel has been a favorite for this application for over 300 years, even though steel is less dense. But, I digress, when a bullet impacts a denser material, its kinetic energy is bounced right back into the bullet. The bullet imediately accelerates in the opposite direction, facing a force of over 100 times the forcing of earth's gravity. The most materials, including lead and steel, aren't strong enough to survive this, and the bullet shatters, shooting fragments out in a roughly conical field. If a material is strong enough, or the bullet impacts at an oblique angle, the bullet can survive.

So, to answer your question: Yes osmium can stop bullet. As the densist naturally occuring metal, 30% denser than depleted uranium 238, the lead/steel/tungston bullet will bouce off, shattering into pieces. That said, it would be a very poor choice for this application. As a rare earth metal, osmium is surprisingly rare, and likewise extremely expensive. The current price is 61

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Trending Questions
What is the value of a hs 22lr sierra six? What is a Westernfield model xnh 565-F worth? Is it safe to shoot a 20 gauge Sears and Roebuck Model 21 number 583.2079 pump action shotgun which has been proof tested and chambered for 2 and 3 quarter inch and 3 inch shells? How old is 12 gauge single shot shotgun with serial number 21557D? How much black powder to use in a 50 cal Hopkins Allen muzzle loader? Can you send a gun to Remington to have it reblued? How much is a colt 32 auto worth? How do you disassemble a ruger p 89 for cleaning? How does a nitro piston air rifle work? Have a 5 shot 38 pistol with us on grips want to know history maker age value? 1843 44 caliber Navy revolver engraved by WL Ormsby New York serial number a14510 serial in its original box how much is it worth? What year was the H and R Sportsman pistol serial number 30547 made? What is the value of a Browning Auto-5 20ga shotgun circa 1940-1945? What is the value of a Savage Arms 22 rifle model 234? What year was a colt automatic 32 caliber serial number 62937 made? What is the value of a used browning citori model 525 12 gauge field grade? Can you shoot a slug gun in your backyard in Hamilton? What is the manufacture date of colt detective special serial 42709? What is the value of a Fabrique National Herstal Model 1922 380 cal pistol with the serial number 18695 with a crown and W etched on to the top of the gun? What choke would a 16 gauge single shot Iver Johnson Champion have and is it safe to use with two and three quarter inch shells if they are marked express long range?