Laser Annealing of 5.56mm and 20mm Cartridge Cases.
Abstract
The feasibility of using a CO2 laser to perform production rate mouth annealing operations on 5.56mm and 20mm cartridge cases as part of the small caliber ammunition modernization program (SCAMP) is examined. Analytical predictions made indicate that with a 1 KW CO2 laser available for laboratory testing proper mouth annealing should occur in approximately 100 milliseconds for 5.56mm brass cases and in approximately 1.3 seconds for 20mm brass cases. These predictions, however, are based on the assumption that the laser beam average coupling coefficient to the brass case can be increased from a normal value of .03 to a value of approximately 0.4. Experimental results with a 1 KW CO2 laser confirm that the 5.56mm and 20mm cartridge cases can be mouth annealed in approximately .100 and 1.3 seconds respectively, as predicted analytically. These times, however, are longer than that desired for SCAMP production rates and as a result, larger lasers are required. Although the laser annealing process does have some special attributes, unless they can be fully utilized and are required, replacement of present annealing techniques with the laser does not appear to be economically practical at the present time. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA039863
Entities
People
- Charles Steinke
- Kenneth A. Green
- Reyburn W. Wick
Organizations
- Frankford Arsenal