An Analysis of 5,56mm Aluminum Cartridge Case Burn-Through Phenomenon

摘要

This work was aimed at understanding the 'burn-through' problem that has impeded orderly engineering development and application of aluminum alloy cartridge cases in high-performance ammunition since the 1890's. It has been shown that a gas path through the wall of an aluminum case, and through which propellant gas can flow during the internal ballistic cycle, is a precursor to the 'burn-through' phenomenon. Solutions to this problem have been found that either prevent propellent gas flow through a path in the case that develops unintentionally during firing of the ammunition, or alter the effect of propellant gas flow through such a gas path. Since an engineering understanding of the 'burn-through' phenomenon is available, work is currently underway to demonstrate the feasibility of aluminum cartridge cases.