Progress in Modeling Ignition in a Solid Propellant Charge for Telescoped Ammunition

摘要

One of the many challenges facing weapon developers is the requirement for a highly lethal, lightweight, and compact large-caliber gun system. A promising concept recently investigated by the U.S. Army is that of a swing-chamber gun necessitating the use of telescoped ammunition. Such ammunition not only reduces the volume available for the propellant charge, but also places severe geometric constraints on both the distribution of the propellant and the location and functionality of the ignition system. Results of an earlier study highlighted the fact that lumped-parameter interior ballistic codes cannot capture the influence of these configurational complexities on the processes of flamespreading and the ensuing formation of pressure waves. Application of a one-dimensional, two-phase flow code to this problem revealed the likelihood of such waves and raised concern over possible damage to the projectile. Subsequent use of a state-of-the-art, multidimensional interior ballistic code provided quantitative predictions of the flow in the annular region between the sidewall of the telescoped projectile and the cartridge case, detailed the formation of pressure waves, and furthered concern about transient projectile loads. The present report extends this effort, providing results applicable both to comparison with companion gun simulator experiments and appropriate for coupling to projectile/gun structural dynamics codes.