Effects of Interface Configurations on Pressure Waves in Guns
Abstract
Improper ignition of a gun or howitzer propelling charge can lead to potentially damaging pressure waves, threatening both integrity of the weapon system and safety of the operating crew. High levels of pressure waves are often accompanied by ballistic variability, increases in chamber pressure and, on occasion, can lead to breechblows, fuze malfunctions, projectile prematures, and fin damage. While weapons firing low performance charges can usually sustain a fairly high level of pressure waves with no adverse effects, the higher pressure environment associated with most high performance charges appears to aggravate the situation, with moderate levels of pressure waves sometimes escalating into major problems. In this study, test projectiles were fabricated with both conical and cylindrical bases. Firings were conducted in a highly instrumented 105-mm, M68 tank gun, and detailed analysis of pressure-time and pressure difference-time data was conducted to assess the influence of base configuration on the formation of pressure waves and their measurement. Representative data are presented and discussed in detail. Keywords: Interior ballistics; Projectile geometry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA202743
Entities
People
- Carl R. Ruth
- James E. Bowen
- James W Evans
- John R. Hewitt
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory