Decoppering of Gun Tubes by Lead
Abstract
A mechanism for the decoppering action of metallic lead on gun tubes is proposed in which it is assumed that lead melts, dissolves the deposited copper, and carries the copper out in the liquid. The proposed mechanism is shown to be reasonable based on the properties of lead and considering the lead- copper and lead-iron phase diagrams. Consideration of the impurities commonly present in lead indicates that iron, silver, and copper should not affect the decoppering action; antimony; arsenic, tin and zinc should decrease the effectiveness of lead; and bismuth should enhance the decoppering action of lead. Of other low melting metals, bismuth and bismuth-lead alloys should be more effective than lead, while all others should be less effective than lead in decoppering.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA014993
Entities
People
- Wayne M. Robertson