Wow, thanks for the full explanation.
Also, very helpful calc MrCrowley
So if i have a 2.6lb piston in a 4" chamber and 1.3" stroke at 1000psi, that would be:
a = P*A/m, or 1000*12.56/2.6 = 4833 in/s^2 = 402ft/s^2
Then d=0.5at^2, or 1.3=0.5*402*t^2, so t=0.0804s
Then Vf= a*t, so 32.33ft/s
These last two might be unnecessary, but this is where i'm unclear. how is the impact force calculated? F=MA just gives me the initial force behind the piston, not the energy accumulated over its travel..