So if the muzzle is raised above the level center line and the breech is lowered below the level centerline, does the muzzle dip
when fired. Yes, it does.
Interesting!
I would have thought this would have occurred
When it's pointed downward such as you had to do I would expect the muzzle to dip. Why?
I hope I can explain this so it makes senses.
When the barrel is level, the force vectors of gravity are ninety degrees to the center line of the barrel. The vector of force of preponderance is also 90 degrees. If the barrel centerline is depressed say 10 degrees, the vector of gravity is now 80 degrees to the centerline. Because the vector of preponderance is rotating around the trunnions it still remains 90 degrees but the preponderance is reduced due to the change in the vector of gravity. The preponderance on the trunnions will increase. The negative preponderance on the muzzle will decrease.
With the muzzle/bore level recoil forces would be straight to the rear along the bore centerline and against the trunnions. The recoil forces push weight of the carriage rear ward. In the case of a depressed barrel recoil forces would be slightly upward. This would tend to lift the carriage rearward. The weight of the carriage would resist the lifting effect. Further the length of the carriage would work like a lever, the fulcrum being the rear of the carriage. Since every action has an equal and opposite reaction the energy would be transmitted back to the muzzle whipping it down. This whipping down would be increased by the decreased negative preponderance of the muzzle, not only from it's actually mass, but it's length--longer lever.
Sounds good anyway.
Oh, and preponderance is now spelled correctly.
