This paper presents a dynamic model of the interior ballistics of an experimental liquid propellant powered rifle. The liquid propellant powered rifle described utilizes a mixture of hydroxyl ammonium nitrate and hydrocarbon fuel to replace gunpowder typically used in such firearms. The motivation for such a development is to discard the need for a shell casing whereby carrying only propellant and bullets will reduce both the mass and volume per shot carried by the soldier. A first-principles dynamic model of the interior ballistics is derived as a compressible fluid power problem with the chemical liberation of heat within the chamber modeled via a condensed-phase reaction rate law. The model is used to predict the overall performance in terms of ballistic kinetic energy as well as draw design insight regarding the role of friction, chamber geometry, and the profile of chamber pressure with respect to time. Simulation results are presented as well as preliminary experimental results from a proof-of-concept device.
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November 2008
Research Papers
Dynamic Modeling and Design of a Bulk-Loaded Liquid Monopropellant Powered Rifle
Mark Adams,
Mark Adams
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Vanderbilt University
, Nashville, TN 37235
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Eric J. Barth
Eric J. Barth
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Vanderbilt University
, Nashville, TN 37235
Search for other works by this author on:
Mark Adams
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Vanderbilt University
, Nashville, TN 37235
Eric J. Barth
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Vanderbilt University
, Nashville, TN 37235J. Dyn. Sys., Meas., Control. Nov 2008, 130(6): 061001 (8 pages)
Published Online: September 24, 2008
Article history
Received:
January 6, 2006
Revised:
May 20, 2008
Published:
September 24, 2008
Citation
Adams, M., and Barth, E. J. (September 24, 2008). "Dynamic Modeling and Design of a Bulk-Loaded Liquid Monopropellant Powered Rifle." ASME. J. Dyn. Sys., Meas., Control. November 2008; 130(6): 061001. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2977464
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