Characterization of Bore Surface Layers in Gun Barrels
Abstract
Specimens containing white layers were taken from the bore surface of the unplated and chrome plated fired gun tubes. These were examined metallographically and the presence of various white layers was established. The chemical and structural nature of these layers was determined by Auger/ESCA and x-ray diffraction techniques. The outermost white layer contained up to seven percent carbon and was identified as cementite - Fe3C. The subsequent white layers has approximately one percent carbon and were identified as high carbon austenite. The significance of these results is discussed in terms of solution and diffusion of carbon from burnt propellant are responsible for the formation of white layers and are the cause of erosion and cracking in the bore surface. During heating and cooling of fired gun barrels, stresses are generated by the differences in the coefficient of expansion and volume changes associated with cementite, austenite, and matrix metal phases. Cracks are produced in the white layer and are propagated in the substrate steel matrix. The high carbon- containing phases are lower melting than steel. These molten phases are eroded away by the sweeping hot propellant gases, thereby eroding the bore surface of the gun barrel. These and other results are discussed in terms of their effects on erosion and wear in the gun barrel bore surfaces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA151424
Entities
People
- J. D. Venables
- M. H. Kamdar
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center