Experimental Validation for the Uniqueness of the Differential Pressure-Maximum Pressure Sensitivity Curve for Charge Safety Assessment

摘要

One of the most used indicators of the level of longitudinal pressure waves in the gun environment is delta P sub i, the first negative minimum of the pressure difference curve measured between the breech and forward ends of the chamber. A current procedure for propelling charge safety assessment by the U.S. Army employs the correlation between delta P sub i and P sub max, the maximum chamber pressure, in order to project the expected probability of exceeding a given pressure limit. Major concerns exist both in terms of how to generate a P sub max vs. delta P sub i sensitivity curve and whether the curve is unique for a given charge/weapon interface. This study addresses one aspect of the problem, that of uniqueness, and hence the applicability of a curve generated by means of intentionally faulted igniter systems with respect to the broader and more ill-defined class of failures experienced over many firings in the field.