A Safety, Quality and Cost Effectiveness Study of Composition A-3 Press Loading Parameters
Abstract
This report is a safety, quality and cost effectiveness study of loading gun ammunition with Composition A-3 explosive. Processing parameters were required to increase gun firing safety and increase explosive load quality using material with a bulk density of less than 0.81 g/cc at the lowest possible cost. Each processing variable was investigated and a set of processing parameters was established within which the loading facilities could operate safely and efficiently with unavoidable fluctuations in material and processing conditions and still meet production requirements. It was found that the combination of new processing parameters plus blending various bulk density materials were effective means for producing quality charges, but blending, per se, was not essential and need only be done to utilize very low bulk density material. The cost savings that were realized were based on the following findings: Seven million pounds of suspended/rejected low bulk density Composition A-3 was proved certified for service use by appropriate process loading developments. Three million pounds of suspended/rejected low wax content Composition A-3 had been so classified erroneously and could be certified for service use. The replacement value of ten million pounds of Composition A-3 is approximately $9,000,000. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA023146
Entities
People
- E. Yancey Mcgann
- Lewis R. Rothstein