Cool Stick Propellant for 155mm M203 Propelling Charge.
Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the benefits to be derived by replacing the M30A1 granular propellant in the M203 propelling charge by M31E1 stick-type propellant. Results of the study are: (1) The required projectile velocity and chamber pressure can be achieved using 29.3 lbs of M31E1 slotted stick propellant, (2) The pressure wave generation is at or below 1500 psi negative differential pressure, (3) Calculations show that flash will be eliminated, (4) Calculations show that blast overpressure reduction of about 12% can be achieved as a result of reduced muzzle energy due to the lower flame temperature propellant. Elimination of secondary flash may result in further blast reduction, (5) Gun tube wear life can be increased by as much as 100% based on the steel tube M199 cannon used in the M198 weapon, and (6) Recoil momentum (RM) is only slightly affected by the use of the cool M31E1 stick propellant charge. Calculations based on actual pressure-time traces show no increase in RM relative to the M203 charge) while the standard calculation shows an increase of 1.5%. The maximum allowable recoil is approximately 10% above the calculated values.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA086737
Entities
People
- Aaron Grabowsky
- Anthony J. Beardell
- Stanley Weiner
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center