M549A1 Projectile Delay Assembly Predictive Engineering Analysis in Support of the Ammunition Stockpile Reliability Program
Abstract
Experiments were conducted on M549A1 High Explosive Rocket Assisted projectiles to evaluate the effects of thermal degradation and moisture on the delay assembly, and on the potential for premature rocket ignitions. Accelerated aging experiments for up to 25 days at 75 degrees F did not induce premature rocket motor ignitions. Higher temperatures and conditioning times were recommended in order to cause this type of failure mechanism to become active. Delay assemblies required very high temperatures (375 degrees F and 475 degrees F) to cause failure due to temperature alone. When humidity was introduced into the test matrix, the delays failed at much lower temperatures (1 55 degrees F to 230 degrees F). Because of the high susceptibility to failure of the delay assembly due to humidity exposure, the recommendation was made not to fire any M549A1 projectiles which do not have the Rocket Off Cap present on the projectile.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA445121
Entities
People
- Eric R. Bixon
- John D. Mcewan Jr.
- Michael J. Cassiello
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center