A Novel Technique to Measure Small Caliber Projectile Balloting Effective Burning-rate Inhibitors in AP/Al/HTPB Composite

Abstract

The US Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has a continuing program to investigate interior ballistic parameters (i.e. propellant charge, barrel leade, primer composition and output) which may contribute to overall performance (e.g. muzzle velocity and dispersion) and variability. In the area of in-bore projectile balloting there have been analytical studies that link balloting to ‘jump’, but small caliber data for current projectiles is lacking. Studies in large and medium caliber have employed techniques that are difficult to transfer to small caliber. The primary objective of the research to be presented here is to explore and exploit a novel quantitative technique to measure the degree of projectile balloting as it travels down bore. The basis of the technique is to soft catch projectiles and measure engraving marks.