When a bullet pierces through a glass panel, it leaves behind a fascinating mark, known as a "conchoidal fracture." This isn't a simple hole, but rather a complex pattern resembling a crater with concentric rings emanating from the point of impact.
High-speed impact: The bullet, traveling at tremendous speed, delivers a concentrated burst of energy upon hitting the glass.
Stress concentration: The energy focuses at the point of contact, causing the glass to crack and shatter along its inherent planes of weakness.
Radial cracks: These cracks spread outward from the impact point, forming the characteristic conchoidal rings. Each ring represents a successive layer of glass fracturing under the pressure wave.
Spallation: As the cracks propagate, small fragments of glass chip off along the fracture lines, contributing to the crater's shape.
The size and shape of the conchoidal fracture depend on various factors, such as the bullet's caliber, velocity, and the glass's thickness and composition. However, the basic pattern of concentric rings remains a signature mark of bullet penetration through glass.
It's important to remember that handling firearms and glass requires utmost caution and safety protocols. This information is purely for educational purposes and should not be construed as promoting or condoning any form of dangerous activity.