Experimental Methods for Simulating the Thermal Effects of Gun Firing

摘要

Evaluating the thermal performance of tank cannon components, such as thermalshrouds, muzzle reference system collimators, barrel paint, or thermal signature, by means of firing live ammunition has distinct drawbacks. Not only is range time uncertain, labor and ammunition expensive, but firing must be done outdoors, where uncontrollable environmental factors (such as sunlight, precipitation, and wind) may complicate the analysis and make experimental repeatability difficult. This report will discuss non-firing test alternatives, using various laboratory heating devices, to input heat to the barrel and its accessories in a controllable and repeatable fashion. Keywords: Thermal performance; Heating devices; Repeatability. (jhd)