A Brief Journey Through the History of Gun Propulsion

Abstract

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The Influence of Propellant Deterrent Concentration Profile on Interior Ballistics Predictions Using Lumped-Parameter and Multiphase Flow Codes

“…Figure 4 presents predicted chamber pressure and projectile velocity vs. time profiles resulting from the use of these data in IBHVG2. The resulting pressure-time profile for the block profile once again shows the expected higher initial pressurization rate; however, this time the transition at the depletion of the band of deterred propellant is readily visible, essentially similar to that seen with layered propellant (2). Nevertheless, the continuously increasing burning rate associated with the ramp profile yields a marginally higher muzzle velocity.…”

“…Today, however, propellant producers and charge designers are looking at many new approaches to achieving mass generation rate progressivity (2). Indeed, the St. Marks Powder Company is now exploiting a hybrid propellant concept for large-caliber guns involving the use of deterrents and progressive grain geometries (3).…”

The investigation of electromagnetic processes in electromagnetic launchers using colossal magnetoresistance sensors

“…There is no physical limitation like the stagnation sound velocity of burning powder gases in conventional guns (Huebschman 1993). The generation of muzzle velocities of 3 km/s or more is possible with conventional guns but very inefficient (Horst 2005). Therefore, high performance tank guns provide velocities in the range of 1700 m/s.…”

Numerical Simulations of Reactive Two-Phase Flows in Interior Ballistics

“…Propellant-based weapon systems have been used since at least the 13 th century and still form the base of any safety authority or military effort [1]. Research, however, is often expensive and dangerous for all parties involved, not only in the case of development or optimization of new devices [2] but also in terms of designing countermeasures [3], such as bullet proof vests or armoured vehicles.…”