digital bow analysis

A digital bow twin is a mathematical model that can be used to digitally recreate bows. Using this model, I investigate the properties of a bow that

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• exists but can no longer be shot (archaeology)

• exists and is to be optimized (bow optimization)

• is to be built specifically for a particular person and purpose (bow design)

 

I have digitally analyzed many prehistoric bows preserved in European museums. At times, I have also created exact physical replicas and compared them with the results from the digital twin. This allowed me to improve the accuracy of the model’s findings.

Based on these analyses, I was able to expand my understanding of what makes a good bow. This is because the digital twin provides information about:

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• Technical design of the bow

• Draw weight

• Energy storage characteristics during the draw

• Stress distribution in the limbs and maximum stress

• Release dynamics and vibrations of the limbs

• Arrow speed as a function of arrow weight

• Bow efficiency

 

All of these characteristics can provide insights into a bowmaker or archer who lived thousands of years ago.​​ The twin can also be used to create a good bow for a specific archer or purpose today - with the lessons of the past.

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If you have any questions, please send an email to sparrowbows@a1.net.

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