Application of Wear Coatings to Gun Barrels
Abstract
This program was undertaken to contribute to improvement in the life of rapid fire machine gun barrels by manufacturing composite barrels by lining steel barrels with a refractory carbide material. The liner was applied by chemical vapor deposition of the coating on the barrel inside diameter. Two systems, low and high temperature, were used for the depositions. Both yielded high quality titanium carbonitride liners which had good adherence and controlled thickness. Controlled firing tests showed that the performance of barrels lined by the low temperature method was less satisfactory than that of standard chromium plated barrels. Post-firing analysis indicated that the substrate metallurgical condition allowed the steel to soften at operational temperatures and caused early failure of the barrels. The liner itself appeared relatively unchanged during the tests. The performance of barrels lined by the higher temperature method was comparable to that of standard barrels. It was concluded that although the titanium carbonitride liner material offered surface protection, base materials with improved high temperature capability will also be required to achieve longer lifetimes for barrels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0894721
Entities
People
- Gene F. Wakefield
- John A. Bloom
Organizations
- Texas Instruments