Determination of the Basis for Temperature Compensation in ETC Ignited Solid Propellant Guns
Abstract
A series of experiments and reanalysis of previously published results has led to the discovery of the key interaction between the plasma of an electrothermal igniter and the gun propellant in large caliber cannon. It has been shown that the intense visible and near infrared light from the plasma discharge create a greatly enhanced surface area for a limited fraction of the propelling charge. This extra surface area, promptly ignited by the plasma, causes the rapid pressurization of the gun breech. The remainder of the charge is unaffected by the plasma radiation and burns according to usual interior ballistics design. this provides a mechanism for compensation for the lower burning rates of cold propellants, which would otherwise result in decreased performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA432717
Entities
People
- R. A. Beyer
- R. A. Pesce-rodriguez
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory