Experimental set-up and results of the process of co-extruded perforated gun propellants
conference paper
Enhancement of gun performance can be obtained by increasing the propellant loading density or the energy content of the propellant. Serious consequences of these options are difficulties with regard to ignition and to gun barrel wear. Application of co-layered propellants is a good alternative, since with proper burning properties of the two layers both an increased muzzle velocity and a decreased gas temperature can be obtained.
Many investigations focus on co-layered propellant disks, which may only be ignited by ETCignition. The manufacture of co-layered sheet propellant is labour intensive and difficult. Co-extrusion of co-layered propellants is a good alternative and offers a wide range of possible applications. Both non-, single-, and multi-perforated propellants can be produced by relatively simple and well known extrusion processes. These types of co-extruded propellants have superior properties with respect to erosivity and performance. Co-extruded propellants are therefore well suitable for use in direct-fire systems, for the upgrading of munitions of conventional howitzers, and for other systems. Besides, other possibilities are offered like the improvement of the ignition of difficult-to-ignite LOVA propellants, or the release of wear reducing agents shortly after ignition.
Many investigations focus on co-layered propellant disks, which may only be ignited by ETCignition. The manufacture of co-layered sheet propellant is labour intensive and difficult. Co-extrusion of co-layered propellants is a good alternative and offers a wide range of possible applications. Both non-, single-, and multi-perforated propellants can be produced by relatively simple and well known extrusion processes. These types of co-extruded propellants have superior properties with respect to erosivity and performance. Co-extruded propellants are therefore well suitable for use in direct-fire systems, for the upgrading of munitions of conventional howitzers, and for other systems. Besides, other possibilities are offered like the improvement of the ignition of difficult-to-ignite LOVA propellants, or the release of wear reducing agents shortly after ignition.
Topics
TNO Identifier
90090
Source title
Proceedings of the Insensitive Munitions and Energetic Materials Technology Symposium (IMEMTS): Lower Cost Solutions for 21st Century IM/EM Requirements, Tucson, Arizona, USA, 11-14 May 2009
Pages
10