Ballistics Gel

by sgfidlin in Workshop > Science

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Ballistics Gel

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In this instructable I will show you how to make Ballistics gel like the FBI and Mythbusters use. 
Ballistics gel is as dense as human flesh. You could go out and get a dead pig to test ballistics on or you could  use ballistics gel instead.

Materials

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- unflavored gelatin 
-water
-spoon
-measuring cups
-table spoon
-container
-food coloring (optional)
-lavender essential oil (optional)

Mixing

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My general rule is mixing 1 tbs of unflavored gelatin or 1 unflavored gelatin packet with 1/2 cup of water. Mix your gelatin packets in with warm water. Be sure to mix the water while you pour the gelatin  so it wont get clumpy! You can put 1 to 3 drops of food coloring and 1 to 2 drops of lavender essential oil per half cup as well.

Letting It Set

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Pour your ballistics gel into your mold or container and then put it into the fridge to let it set for 10 to 14 hours. Then cut it up into cubes and melt it in the microwave. Be sure to watch it because it melts very quickly. I got the best results when I melted it.

Let It Set Again

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Now you can let the gel set in the refrigerator  for 12-48 hours before using it.

Use It

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Now for the fun part! You can use this for all kinds of things: testing guns, BB guns, bows, knives, and all sorts of things!   But be sure you and those around you stay safe when testing ballistics on this. And that's how to make ballistics gel.