Recoilless and Gas-Free Projectile Propulsion
Abstract
A recoilless and gas free projectile propulsion device is provided. A hollow pressure vessel is sealed on a first end to an aft end of a projectile in a launch tube. The pressure vessel is further open on a second end. A propellant charge filled pressure chamber, defined in a forward portion of the pressure vessel, has holes venting to the pressure vessel aft thereof. A piston, scaled within the pressure vessel fur sliding movement therein, is spaced apart from the pressure chamber to define a volume therebetween that receives gases produced during the burning of the propellant charge via the vent holes. A pressure valve divides the volume into a forward section adjacent the pressure chamber and an aft section adjacent the piston. The pressure valve remains closed until a threshold pressure is reached in the forward section at which point the pressure valve opens to join the forward section with the aft section. A countermass is positioned between the piston and the second end of the pressure vessel. When the pressure valve opens, the gases in the volume act on the pressure chamber and the piston. As a result, the projectile with the pressure vessel sealer thereto is propelled forward while the piston moves aft. The piston travels to the second end of the pressure vessel to drive the countermass (e.g., a fluid) nut of the pressure vessel at its second end while the gases remain sealed in the pressure vessel which is launcher with the projectile.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 14, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA373346
Entities
People
- James F. Cahill
- Larry E. Crabtree
- Roger L. Ellis
- Watthew J. Sanford
Organizations
- United States Department of the Navy