Impulse Propulsion

• Projectile is ejected from a container by

means of an initial impulse.

• Explosive Propellant Train:

1) 2) 3)

Prime Igniter Propellant Powder

r
 Propellants
• Smokeless Powders or Gunpowder's:

– All are designed to produce large

volumes of gases at a controlled rate.

– Rate is based on the maximum pressure

that can be withstood by the gun barrel,
casing, etc.
 Burn Rate Controlling Factors
[controls the pressure generated by the propellant]
• Size and shape of the powder grain
• Web thickness; amount of propellant
between burning surfaces of the grain.
• Chemical burn rate constant of the
propellant material
• Percentage of volatile material present.
 Burning Rates
– The Burn Rate increases as both the pressure
and temperature rise.
– Classification by variation in burn rate:
• Degressive: As it burns, the burning surface area
decreases
• Neutral: The burning surface area remains
constant
• Progressive: Burning surface area increases as it
burns.
 Interior Ballistics
• Action Inside a Gun.
– Ignited propellant creates pressure within the
chamber that forces the projectile down the
barrel.

Step 1 - Digressive Burning

Step 2 - Neutral Burning
Pressure Step 3 - Progressive Burning

Gun Barrel
 Propulsion Propellant Burning Grains

• Digressive burning Grains:

• Ball Pellet Sheet

– Strip Cord
 Propulsion Propellant Burning Grains

• Neutral Burning Grains:

– Single Perforated

– Star Perforated

*
Propulsion Propellant Burning Grains

• Progressive Burning Grains:

– Multi-Perforated

– Rosette
 Bore Deterioration
• Corrosion
• Dirt
• Erosion
• Copper Fouling