How compensators work?

[Scarlett Pistol]

I got a threaded barrel and want a compensator. My buddy is an engineer and has access to a machine shop and will make whatever I ask. I wanted to get some insight on the ports for compensators. Ported barrels have smaller holes while compensators have fins/baffles with larger openings between. Some compensators have larger openings on the first opening. I'm really only interested in vertical compensation. Why these variations in design? What types have you all seen be most effective? Does anyone know the science behind the effectiveness of larger gaps in the openings vs more small holes (like ported barrels)?

If any of you gun smith's or pro shooters have designs you think would work well and would like tested, let me know and we can give it a run. My friend engineers and machines orthopedic implants, so his skills are top notch. We really want to make something quality and we would be happy to share CAD files if it works.

[1SOW]

This gives the basics for "Reducing Recoil" and reducing "Muzzle Flip". :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muzzle_brake
Recoil is from expelled gasses 'forward'.  Venting to the sides can cut recoil dramatically.
Muzzle flip can be reduced/stopped by venting the proper amount of gas up.

The compensator/muzzle brake needs gas to operate efficiently,  enough gas from your caliber and powder choice to allow the vented gasses to be effective.  The size and direction of holes/slots are critical.   The comp. also  adds weight to the slide--another consideration for design

We have some Open Gun shooters here that'll likely chime in with first-hand info..

[Scarlett Pistol]

Thanks 1SOW! That makes sense. I'm really curious to hear about how the size of the holes between baffles impacts the effectiveness of a compensator. I haven't found much on the actual science behind how this works - outside of Wikipedia and the references on the Wikipedia page.

[Jamiethesquid]

Here is my 2 cents on the subject. 

Warning!! I am a professional amateur, and some of the things I say are bound to not be true.  LOL

All kidding aside I am a Type 07 FFL, USPSA competitor, and Aspiring Machinist and Inventor.

For quite a few years I have been dreaming of moving up into the big leagues and shooting Open Division, my wallet and cheap skate nature will not however swallow the 5 thousand dollar pill to get set up with a full custom 2011.  I am very interested in turning my Production gun CZ P-09 into an open gun.  I think this pistol would make a wonderful platform, see some of my other posts for more ramblings on the subject. 

I have done a fair bit of research on how compensators work and the design elements that go into making an effective compensator.  http://www.brazoscustom.com/Home.htm  Check out Bob Londrigan's article on his Website for a good explanation.  A lot of the design of a compensator depends on the load development.  The sweet spot for each gun, each comp, each bullet weight is going to vary widely.  Also whether or not you are trying to make major power factor.

I am very interested to see what you come up with for the P-09 as I am also working on prototyping a design.  however it make take dozens of versions and dozens of loads to find my ideal comp.