Experimental Study of Flamespreading Processes in 155-mm, XM216 Modular Propelling Charges
Abstract
The 155-mm, XM216 is a modular, combustible-cased, stick-propellant charge developed by the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center and recently type classified to provide the Zones 2-4 range coverage for the M198 howitzer should another advanced propulsion option not be fielded. The propellant granulation and casing characteristics of the charge are unlike those of multiple-increment charges that have been fielded previously by the US Army. Past investigations of single-increment, combustible-cased, stick-propellant configurations which produced ballistic anomalies have indicated a substantial influence of particular igniter and charge attributes on ignition and flamespread, and by extrapolation, on the overall interior ballistic cycle. The charge developer, in order to assure that similar problems did not arise with the XM216, requested a characterization of the early, ignition and flamespread processes of the nearly final configuration charge. Testing to provide such data was accomplished in BRL's 155-mm howitzer simulator. Firings were conducted for all zones at ambient and temperature extremes to characterize ignition transfer, flamespread, propellant-bed mobility, and pressure-wave development during the early portion of the interior ballistic cycle. From these and similar earlier tests, conclusions are drawn regarding the influence of initial charge temperature, ullage, propellant granulation, and charge casing on flamespread processes and the remainder of the ballistic cycle. Keywords: Propelling charges; Pressure waves; Modular charges; Stick propellant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA224352
Entities
People
- Carl R. Ruth
- Thomas C. Minor
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory