[HiWayMan]

What is the 10% in 10% ballistic gelatin?

Also, what is gelatin calibrated too?

I'm curious because I always see references to "10%" gelatin and "calibrated" gelatin, but honestly haven't a clue as to what these terms actually mean.

Would someone help a brother out?

[danang]

As I understand the first part, the 10% part in the compound is the actual gelatin itself. The rest is water that the gelatin is dissolved in. The calibration is probably to that particular density...others may be able to reply better. JMHO

[Brass Fetcher]

Pretty much.

The '10 percent' refers to the mass fraction of the gelatin powder. IE a pistol sized block uses 1kg of powder and 9kg of water - 10/90 gelatin/water mixture.

The calibration BB is used to determine the viscosity of the gelatin, how close it is to 'standard' tissue.

[HiWayMan]

This info is greatly appreciated.

JE223 - How exactly does one calibrate the gelatin though? Is there some sort of tool for this, like a pentrometer or something?

[Brass Fetcher]

I use a crosman bb gun (the $40 walmart special) : as long as the bb gun goes 590 ft/sec, then that is what you use. The velocity at impact and the penetration of the BB are what is important.

[Dain Bramage]

How exactly does one calibrate the gelatin though?

You shoot a BB at a known velocity and measure the penetration into the gelatin. The penetration depth is compared to a standard value, and can be used to calibrate conversion factors.

[mete]

And the gelatin block is of a certain size and temperature also !

[HiWayMan]

I'm cooking with gas now gents. Thanks for answering my questions. Just wanted to clear up some things I've been taking for granted.