Modeling Ignition and Flamespread Phenomena in Bagged Artillery Charges
Abstract
One-dimensional, two-phase flow, interior ballistics codes, successfully applied on numerous occasions to cased-ammunition problems, have proven to be less satisfactory in simulating flamespread and pressurization profiles in bagged propelling charges. Configural complexities associated with the charge/chamber interface, as well as ill-characterized impedances to gas and solid-phase flows offered by the bag and other parasitic components, rendered treatment of most artillery charges outside the scope of existing models. Simulations of the US 155-mm, M198 Howitzer firing the Zone 8S, M203 Propelling Charge, obtained using the one-dimensional NOVA code, clarify this problem. Solutions are then presented which are based on a quasi-two-dimensional code in which the charge and the unoccupied portion of the gun chamber are represented as disjoint but coupled regions of one-dimensional flow. Early-time gas flow external to the bag is shown to alter the flame path and equilibrate pressures throughout the chamber; however, this process reflects both the extent and persistence of the ullage, which are seen to be direct consequences of bag dimensions and material characteristics. The impact of these processes on a current effort to develop a fully two-dimensional NOVA code is discussed, and the status of this 2-D code with respect to the bagged-charge problem is outlined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA091790
Entities
People
- A. W. Horst
- Paul S. Gough
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory