Safe Maximum Pressure Determination for the M829E3/M256 Cannon Qualification Program

Abstract

The M256 120-mm cannon is the main armament of the M1A1 and M1A2 tanks. With the increased pressure generated by the latest version of the M829 APFSDS-T cartridge (A3), the yield strength of the cannon would have been insufficient to prevent elastic deformation of the tube. Classic theory indicated that this pressure could not have been contained, but it was known that the theory is somewhat conservative. By testing to elastic deformation and using statistics analysis, a new Safe Maximum Pressure (SMP) as defined by NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4110, was determined. This resulted in the M256 tube yield strength being redefined and capable of firing the M829A3.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA406817

Entities

People

  • David C. Smith
  • Eugene E. Coppola

Organizations

  • United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Crusher Gages
  • Engineering
  • Gages
  • High Pressure
  • Hydraulic Tests
  • Information Security
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Piezoelectric Gages
  • Pressure Gages
  • Pressure Vessels
  • Qualifications
  • Security
  • Standardization
  • Strain Rate
  • Yield Strength

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering