The Effects of Propellant Burn on the Surface Composition of Gun Steel
Abstract
The erosion of gun barrel bore surfaces caused by high temperature, high pressure and high velocity gases is responsible for the lives of many such barrels being wear-limited. In addition, such interactions are often accompanied by significant alteractions to the remaining bore surfaces. An ion beam analysis method has been used to characterize the depths and compositions of the outer, sub-micron layers of gun steel surfaces that have been exposed to variety of environments from several propellant/additive combinations. Correlations between the oxide/nitride concentrations in the surface layers, the propellant flame temperatures and erosive wear obtained. Scanning electron microscope observations of exposed surfaces were also made. The combined results indicate the presence of thermo-chemical erosion as well as erosion by a surface melt and wipe-off process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA108292
Entities
People
- A. Niiler
- R. Birkmire
- S. E. Caldwell
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory