High progressivity co-layered gun propellant for high performance and low barrel erosion
conference paper
Application of co-layered gun propellant offers great benefits regarding performance increase, while gun barrel wear will be greatly reduced. The latter is due to the relatively cool gases produced during the initial combustion stages, while the high energetic composition takes over during the ballistic cycle. Cylindrical tubular propellant was manufactured at TNO by applying simultaneous ram extrusion of both the core and outer layer through a single co-extrusion die. The test results show good layer cohesion and a strongly progressive burning behaviour, comparable to or even higher than that of conventional 19-perforated propellants. Co-layered tubular propellant can be produced by either ram extrusion or continuous extrusion. The feasibility is demonstrated of a new extrusion method based on sheathing a pre-extruded core strand providing an evenly distributed layer covering the core.
Recently, a new type of co-layered propellant has been developed, distinguished by a square or star-shaped core. Such shapes result in an even higher progressivity than that of co-layered propellant with a cylindrical core.
Recently, a new type of co-layered propellant has been developed, distinguished by a square or star-shaped core. Such shapes result in an even higher progressivity than that of co-layered propellant with a cylindrical core.
TNO Identifier
990319
Source title
33rd International Symposium on Ballistics 2023, Bruges, Belgium, 16-20 October 2023
Pages
1549-1556
Files
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