Use of Activation Analysis for Determining Weight Of Pellet in M34 Primers

摘要

The use of rapid fire weapons such as the minigun has focused attention on the problem of hangfires. From a study, it was concluded that low pellet weight in the M34 primer (more than 20% below specification) which is used in the minigun 7.62 mm. round, tends to produce cartridge hangfires due to insufficient output of hot gases and particles to adequately ignite the propellant charge. Methods were considered for 100% nondestructive quality assurance of the M34 primer pellet weight at a production rate in excess of 10 million per day. A 100% inspection of M34 primers for low pellet weight has been demonstrated to be feasible and specifications for an actual manufacturing quality assurance system have been developed based on activation analysis for oxygen in the pellet. (Author)