Semiconductor Bridge Initiators Igniting Multicomponent Propelling Charges

摘要

Safe operation of a gun system incorporating multicomponent charges requires agood ignition system. One such proposed system for large-caliber guns involves the use of semiconductor bridge initiators (SCBIs) to commence the interior ballistic cycle. This simulator study demonstrated the feasibility of using SCBIs to simultaneously ignite multicomponent propelling charges. The flamespread simulator (76-mm I.D.) at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, was used to simulate ignition of a multicomponent charge. Use of up to three distinct increments was possible in this simulator. Each increment contained an SCBI in a black powder basepad on top of inert propellant. The firing voltage was applied through a modified M83 headstock to the first increment. The other increments made physical and electrical contact to the first increment by electrically conductive Velcro (a conductive polymer material that would leave no residue in gun firings). Pressure-time histories were obtained from pressure gauges located in the wall of the simulator near the location of each basepad. Pressure-time histories of SCBI initiation of the basepads showed smooth, nearly simultaneous ignition of each of the basepads. The method of indirect electrical contact between increments showed no adverse effects, thus allowing completely separate propelling increments to utilize electrical ignition in each increment. The use of electrically conductive organic polymers is being investigated to replace metallic wiring within each increment.