ANALYSIS OF BALLISTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF 16th CENTURY ARQUEBUSES USED IN BATTLE OF PAVIA

Abstract

The paper presents simulation of flight path of a lead ball fired with an arquebus and its penetration process through an armor of heavy cavalry knights of the beginning of the 16th century used during the Battle of Pavia on 24 February, 1525. The mass use of firearms by the footmen against the cavalry decided the result of the battle and started a large deployment of infantry formations armed in firearms. The basic ballistic characteristics of 16th century arquebus necessary for the simulation process are based on historical information. The numerical calculations were used to identify the flying characteristics of the lead ball at the distances securing the penetration of that time horseman’s armour. Penetration capacity of the lead ball through the 16th age horseman armour was estimated by using the finite element method (AUTODYN).