Minor Fluid Dynamics

   Ever since I’ve gotten back into airgunning, I’ve had a few questions over the nature of pellets.  Considering how long they have been around, obviously their design is as much advanced as  possible, the general shape of them remaining constant.  Beginning with .177 caliber, I am curious as to how much the air can affect it’s flight in still conditions.

   Imagine, you have two vehicles that will drive over a stretch gravel road that is newly laid and graded smooth.  Driving a go-kart with a tire outer diameter of 12 inches will provide a rougher ride than that of a large, heavier vehicle with a tire outer diameter of 30 inches, both vehicles having no suspension.  I believe this analogous to a small diameter lightweight pellet plowing through the air molecules and being buffeted around more than that of a larger projectile.  To the pellet, the gaseous molecules are large and it has to fight it’s way through them even though it has a smaller diameter.

   Also consider air is made up of multiple gasses, so it may also be prone to deflection in much the same way a larger stone would slew the go-kart tire off track.  Air will contain humidity as well. 

   This is all speculation, especially since the size of the pellet is still enormous compared to air (78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, .9% Argon, trace amounts other gasses).  Along these lines is the question of how small can you make an airfoil that still works on the same principle (once you get past the design obstacles of weight/strength).  Still, since I’m curious, I intend to study when I get the chance.  I’ll post what I find.