Formation of High Amplitude Pressure Waves in a 5-In./54 LOVA Charge
Abstract
The ignition process occurring in the 5-inch, 54-caliber (5-in./54) LOVA (Lot 2163BL) charge was investigated via simulator diagnostics. The ignition system of the charge was the Mk 45 Mod 1 primer with Class 2 black powder as igniter material. This investigation was carried out to determine the cause of the high-amplitude pressure waves exhibited on the pressure-time curves recorded in gun firing tests. The results obtained also provided guidance for the development of an improved ignition system for the charge. The diagnostics proceeded with ignition of the primer in empty chambers, then in inert propellant packed chambers, and finally with live LOVA charges. The results from all of the experiments clearly indicate that localized venting of igniter gases from the primer was responsible for the occurrence of the pressure waves. The venting was so strong that it caused severe grain fracture not only in the region covered by the venting but also at the breech and the forward ends of the propellant bed. The grain fracture gave a sudden increase in burning surface area. Keywords: LOVA charge, Simulator diagnostics, Ignition studies, Pressure waves, Flamespreading, Grain fracture.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA187177
Entities
People
- Lang-mann Chang
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory