The Influence of Propellant Grain Geometry on Ignition-Induced, Two-Phase Flow Dynamics in Guns
Abstract
Localized ignition of a bed of granular propellant can result in a substantial pressure gradient accompanying the convectively driven flame front. For the common example of base ignition of a moderately long, cylindrical, propellant charge, this wave front may, upon arrival at the projectile base, be reflected as a longitudinal pressure wave which can dissipate or grow to catastrophic levels. Previous studies investigated the use of 19-perforation grain designs as an alternate to the standard 7-perforation grain commonly employed. The larger size and reduced initial surface area of a ballistically equivalent 19-perforation charge were shown to reduce the level of pressure waves for a given igniter and charge configuration. This paper extends the scope of these studies to include the 37-perforation grain design. Both theoretical and experimental studies suggest a significant potential for further reduction in the level of pressure waves, though the feasibility of a base-ignited, high- performance, artillery charge employing granular propellant was not demonstrated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA083289
Entities
People
- A. A. Koszoru
- A. W. Horst
- J. J. Rocchio
- J. R. Kelso
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory