Initiation of Gun Propellants by Shock Compression-Phase II Exploratory Program
Abstract
An exploratory program to investigate the initiation of gun propellants by the interaction of shocks with initiation centers in the propellant has been completed. Studied as potential initiation centers were voids or inclusions of such shock-sensitive material as tetryl, lead azide, or black powder. With pressed discs of WC-870 ball powder, voids appeared to form active initiation centers for shocks of the 10-15 kbar level. Using a normally void-free propellant, CT-144, introduced voids were ineffective in forming initiation centers at shock levels as great as 58 kbar. Tetryl was ineffective also. Both lead azide and black powder formed active initiation centers, requiring shock levels of about 5 kbar at the center for initiation. With higher shock levels acting for longer times, the naturally occurring voids in the CT- 144 propellant formed initiation centers, and voids or black powder proved not to be beneficial additives. Shock-initiated rounds were made up for, and fired in, the 25mm single-shot test fixture, resulting in entirely satisfactory interior ballistics. No damage to the gun structure, particularly the chamber, resulting from firing the shock-initiated rounds was apparent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0888339
Entities
People
- Norman D. Potter