If my theoretical pistol did get pulled into am MRI machine, stuck against it by the magnet, and I, for the purpose of scientific inquiry, pulled the trigger, should I expect the bullet to fire more or less as normal, to fire, but the bullet be pulled back to the machine, or for the bullet to not move, or not move more than an inch or so from the barrel?
That’s an implementation detail, not really relevant to my point.
I don’t think you appreciate how powerful those magnets are. Any ferromagnetic object would be doing well to avoid binding up completely when held right up to the device
I do appreciate how strong the magnets are. The force between a two 1cm square steel plates in a 2T field is about 159N or 36 lbs of force.
I do not think the contact area between parts of the trigger / sear etc and striker / whatever else are more than 1cm square, they’re also lubricated. Given the orientation of the pistol could also change, making the friction force less effective, I think it’s possible that a pistol is able to fire after being sucked into the MRI.
But to address your main question, most bullets are not magnetic. Some are, in which case idk how the mri would impact them. But most would fire as normal
I guess it depends on the steel parts. I’m sure there are other magnets.
In any case, if the firing pin or hammer or anything in the trigger mechanism is steel, it’s going to be difficult to move to actually fire.
Say the bullet has a steel tip or core though, and we are able to fire it. The force pulling that bullet is going to prevent the bullet from going much of anywhere. Let’s pretend the barrel and firing chamber are frictionless and indestructible.the bullet will leave the gun, but immediately curve into the magnetic field, inevitably into the MRI itself, but likely not very far.
So, a moment of curiosity.
If my theoretical pistol did get pulled into am MRI machine, stuck against it by the magnet, and I, for the purpose of scientific inquiry, pulled the trigger, should I expect the bullet to fire more or less as normal, to fire, but the bullet be pulled back to the machine, or for the bullet to not move, or not move more than an inch or so from the barrel?
Realistically, the mechanism would jam. I doubt the hammer would fall, being squeezed hard against whatever structure supports it
Most modern pistols are striker fired not hammer fired.
I’d venture a guess nothing out of the ordinary happens thanks to lube and springs. Gun fires.
That’s an implementation detail, not really relevant to my point.
I don’t think you appreciate how powerful those magnets are. Any ferromagnetic object would be doing well to avoid binding up completely when held right up to the device
I do appreciate how strong the magnets are. The force between a two 1cm square steel plates in a 2T field is about 159N or 36 lbs of force.
I do not think the contact area between parts of the trigger / sear etc and striker / whatever else are more than 1cm square, they’re also lubricated. Given the orientation of the pistol could also change, making the friction force less effective, I think it’s possible that a pistol is able to fire after being sucked into the MRI.
Interesting.
Not the answer I’m looking for, but still interesting. Thanks for the information!
But to address your main question, most bullets are not magnetic. Some are, in which case idk how the mri would impact them. But most would fire as normal
I guess it depends on the steel parts. I’m sure there are other magnets.
In any case, if the firing pin or hammer or anything in the trigger mechanism is steel, it’s going to be difficult to move to actually fire.
Say the bullet has a steel tip or core though, and we are able to fire it. The force pulling that bullet is going to prevent the bullet from going much of anywhere. Let’s pretend the barrel and firing chamber are frictionless and indestructible.the bullet will leave the gun, but immediately curve into the magnetic field, inevitably into the MRI itself, but likely not very far.
It would be pretty fun to watch though.
Ah, interesting. Good to know.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2023/02/12/lawyer-dies-after-shot-by-his-own-concealed-gun-triggered-by-mri-machine/
Interesting. Good to know.
That poor chair
Lead is not magnetic.
It’s also non ferrous, which is rather more the point