Reply to:   RE>shot used in weight belts


Date: 3/27/96 6:12 AM
To: Gerry Smith
From: A.Appleyard
  On: 27 Sep 1995 11:06:51 -0800 Gerry Smith
<gerry_smith@qm*.ca*.ed*> wrote (Subject: Re: weight belts):-

> shot ... comes in sizes from 00 gauge (about the size of a small marble) to
> number 9 (a bit bigger than coarse sand). The smaller size will pack more
> densely, and take up less room ...

  No. A lot of spheres all the same size will have the same % volume of voids
regardless of size. To reduce bulk what is needed is various sizes so the
small shot fits into the voids between the big shot. Same as why when making
concrete there is a correct % of sand to fill all the spaces between the
gravel without pushing the gravel apart. Or ask a mineralogist about packing
patterns of spherical atoms in a metallic or ionic crystal.
----------------Reply Separator-----------------

Hmmm,  I started to reply with the obvious (intuitive) opinion that I posted
originally (six MONTHS ago???.)  That smaller shot would pack more weight into a
given volume but then I thought about it. (sound of gears grinding - smoke
escaping from scalp etc.)  Smaller shot means smaller voids, but more of them. 
maybe you're right but I`ve got some shot of various sizes at home, and I'll
weigh a cup of number 9 vs. a cup of buckshot tonight.  But this brings up
another question.  

We've all seen the grey water that drains from shot belts after a dive.  The
discoloration is probably oxidized lead.  The shot oxidizes when exposed to salt
water, and the rate of oxidization would seem to be related to the total surface
area of exposed lead.  Since I don't want to lose the lead, nor do I want to
poison the ocean with it - Am I better off using larger shot assuming that
larger shot provides a smaller surface area per pound??

PLease note from the above:  It is possible to discuss diving issues without
calling anyone a stroke, or inviting anyone to perform sex acts with their
group, or faking e-mail addresses even...

Gerry Smith
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From: "A.Appleyard" <A.APPLEYARD@fs*.mt*.um*.ac*.uk*>
To: techdiver@terra.net
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 13:40:05 GMT
Subject: shot used in weight belts
Priority: normal
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