The Role of Carburization in Gun Barrel Erosion and Cracking
Abstract
The subject program is part of a continuing effort to identify distinct mechanisms that contribute to gun barrel wear and erosion. The chemical effect of a carburizing atmosphere in a gun tube was the main topic for investigation in this program. Experiments were conducted in the Shock Tube Gun (STG), a ballistic compressor, designed and developed by Calspan Corporation. This facility can compress mixtures of pure gases to simulate propellant gas flow condtions and cycle time experienced in large caliber guns. Test were conducted with a mixture of argon and nitrogen to delineate the threshold of simple melting erosion which served as a chemical inert baseline. Progressive substitution of carbon monoxide for nitrogen in the mix quantified the carburizing effect as a function of CO concentration. Subsequent tests were conducted with a gas mixture containing carbon monoxide, argon and helium to measure the carburizing effect as a function of cycle time. The basic carburizing effect was observed to be a shift in the erosion threshold to less severe convective heating conditions in response to surface chemistry. The magnitude of the shift appeared to be directly proportional to heating cycle time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA102625
Entities
People
- C. C. Morphy
- E. B. Fisher
Organizations
- Calspan