Understanding and predicting gun barrel erosion

Description

Weapons Systems Division Defense Science and Technology Organization. DSTO-TR-1757, 2005, -48 p.The Australian Defense Force will soon have to contend with gun barrel erosion issues arising from the use of new low-vulnerability gun propellants, the acquisition of new ammunition and gun systems, and possible modifications to existing propelling charge designs. A critical, technical review of advances in gun barrel erosion research, mitigation, and assessment over the last fifteen years is presented. Known and postulated erosion mechanisms, obtained through recent experimental and numerical modeling work, are described and contrasted. New approaches to erosion mitigation and updated knowledge of existing methods are reviewed. Also included is an assessment of the utility of the various erosion modeling and experimental techniques, and notes on their possible use for defense applications in Australia.Introduction Erosion Mechanisms Chemical Erosion Thermal Erosion Mechanical Erosion Erosion Mitigation Alternative Propellant Formulations Additives Surface Coatings And Liners Novel Erosion Mitigation Erosion Modeling And Prediction Empirical Computational Experimental Assessment Techniques Conclusion