A Quantitative Method of Comparative Assessment of Primers Ignition Performances

Abstract

The ignition performances of percussion primers for small calibre ammunition are determined using a new experimental setup, with pressure transducers and special designed combustion chambers. The method enables a comparison of new designed primers with consecrated models by relative ignition capacity. Results show that ballistic performances of primers are in direct relationship with the gradient pressure vs. rise time and also with the maximum pressure developed inside the cartridge chamber.

Estimation of Ignition Pressure in Ammunition

“…Thus, when the propellant is replaced by an inert substance one can expect that the measured maximum pressure value is equal to the ignition pressure. The free volume in the chamber is equal to the free volume in a cartridge case; it is attained by using a chamber of a capacity equal to the free volume [2] or by filling the chamber with an inert granular material [3,4].…”

“…Values from 10-20 MPa were measured. In [3], six primers used in 5.56 mm ammunition were investigated. The chamber had a capacity of 1.9 cm 3 .…”

“…The aim of this was to check, how the form of the chamber filling influences measured values of the ignition pressure. Similar to the work by [3] and [4], pressure values were measured inside a closed chamber of a capacity equal to the capacity of the cartridge case, filled with inert substances. The second aim of the presented investigations was a comparison of the values of the ignition pressure determined in the model experiments and measured inside the case at the live firings.…”

“…The aim of this work is to estimate the ignition pressure value produced by a primer used in 12.7 × 99 mm ammunition with an M33 Ball projectile, produced by MESKO SA (Skar żysko-Kamienna, Poland). Similar to the work by [3,4], pressure values were measured inside a closed chamber of a capacity equal to the capacity of the cartridge case, filled with inert substances. The ignition pressure values determined in the chamber were compared with the results of measurements of the pressure value inside the cartridge case at the live firings.…”

A Facile Synthesis Route of Hybrid Polyurea-Polyurethane-MWCNTs Nanocomposite Coatings for Ballistic Protection and Experimental Testing in Dynamic Regime

“…New effective solutions for ballistic protection are offered by the evolution of composite materials, the synthesis of new materials, and the selection and correlation of performant materials [ 1 ]. These materials must be resistant to the action of a shock wave or the impact of a projectile [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ], but they must also be lightweight so they do not overload the armor of a trooper or vehicle [ 6 ]. Composites reinforced with aramid fibers are described in the literature as one of the materials with the highest ratios between weight (mass) and level of impact protection, but their cost is considered a disadvantage [ 6 , 7 ].…”