Venting Propellant Gases to Obtain Nonlethal Projectile Velocity.
Abstract
Reducing muzzle velocities by variable venting of a gun barrel, thereby decreasing lethality, was investigated. Simulation was performed with an interior ballistics code (IBRGA) that was modified to have venting capabilities. Comparison of the code output with a classical solution yielded good agreement. Simulation of an M-16A2 rifle showed that venting might reduce the muzzle velocity to nonlethal values if venting could commence earlier than is possible with the present M855 round. To obtain data for comparison, M16 barrels were modified to be ventable by drilling pluggable holes in the barrel at given axial intervals. Venting propellant gas from the M16 barrels yielded data that agreed with simulation results for the lower venting areas but exhibited less agreement for high area venting. Further studies are planned using a .50-caliber barrel and round, with modifications of both the weapon and the round.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA322887
Entities
People
- Gene R. Cooper
- Jeffrey M. Widder
- Kevin S. Fansler
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory