The primary goal of this project is to demonstrate the ability to createlightweight and long life ceramic barrels that will function satisfactorily in the M4Carbine weapon system. The basic objectives are development and fabrication of aceramic barrel that will yield a 25% weight saving compared with the M4 SOCOMHeavy Barrel, conform to standard fixture requirements for the M4 Carbine systemand a have a composite overwrap that will establish and sustain compressivestresses on the ceramic bore surface during all M4 operational firing schedules.In this study a HiPed Y-TZP (Yttria Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal) wasselected as the ceramic bore material and is wrapped with a PEEK/IM7 Towpregcomposite at high tension. A number of design iterations are carried out todetermine the optimal winding conditions so as hoop compression in the ceramic ismaintained under high pressure firing conditions. Parametric studies are carried outto study the effect of tension profiles on ceramic and composite hoop and radialstresses under zero loads and during firing conditions. Results show that asuccessful design of a composite overwrapped HY-TZP ceramic barrel is possible ifadequate tension is applied and maintained on the ceramic bore.
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