A Critical Assessment of the Aluminum Cartridge Case Failure Mechanism
Abstract
This report summarizes the basic physical processes that occur before and during the catastrophic failure of aluminum alloy cartridge cases. These processes include: (1) the presence of a gas path such as that presented by a sidewall split wherein propellant gas can flow through the path and out of the weapon; (2) the presence of a highly energetic propellant gas which interacts with the aluminum in the gas path surface; (3) a primary vapor-phase reaction principally of CO2 and H2O (some of the propellant combustion products) with aluminum vapor from the gas path; and (4) a secondary oxidation of aluminum to aluminum oxide external to the gas path. Understandings gained by various experimental and theoretical programs have formed the basis for both developed and other possible engineering solutions to the burn-through problem.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA028269
Entities
People
- Reed E. Donnard
- Walter H. Squire
Organizations
- Frankford Arsenal