Gunfire Noise Analysis

  • Sound from guns: 150dB to 170dB; See http://www.freehearingtest.com/hia_gunfirenoise.shtml
  • conversational speech is approximately 60-65 dB
  • This article: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/db.html#c1 describes the Decibel, which is used to express sound intensity.
    • 0 Decibels (dB) is the threshold of hearing Io, and is 10-16 watts/cm2
    • 40 dB is 10,000 times more sound power per unit area than Io
  • To estimate the sound level at a distance further from the source, the inverse square law
    • I2/I1 = (d1/d2)2
  • Assuming one gunshot at 150dB at 1m, the sound will be at loud conversational level (70 dB) after 10Km (6.21 miles)
  • If 300 trainees are firing guns at the ranges, assuming 3 ft for each shooter, then the sound should be significantly higher, and continual.
  • The placement of the shooting ranges against the far hills will cause the sound to reflect off the mountain and be directed back toward Potrero. This may double the sound intensity, meaning another 3dB.
  • To get the sound down to 62dB, you need to be 25Km away. This assumes reflection off the mountain and no unusual dissipation, and assumes the quietest firearm loudness (150dB).
  • Assume the intervening mountains dissipates the sound by half. Then, we are back to eliminating the reflection, and still need 17Km to get it down to 65dB.

I've asked to see the "Computer Analysis" done by Blackwater. They are only as good as the assumptions.

-- Raymond Lutz - 09 Apr 2007
Topic revision: r3 - 07 May 2008, RaymondLutz
This site is powered by FoswikiCopyright © by the contributing authors. All material on this collaboration platform is the property of the contributing authors.
Ideas, requests, problems regarding Cops? Send feedback