Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Sound Suppressor for a 5.56 mm Calibre

  • J. K. Huerta-Torres Higher School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico City 02250 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2116-2776
  • U. S. Silva-Rivera Army and Air Force University, Escuela Militar de Ingenieros, Estado de Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5597-1638
  • V. F. Verduzco-Cedeño Higher School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico City 02250 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3491-329X
  • L. A. Flores-Herrera Higher School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico City 02250 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1081-5193
  • J. M. Sandoval-Pineda Higher School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico City 02250 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6529-7920
Keywords: Sound suppressor, Impulsive noise, Firearm, Curved deflectors, Conical deflectors, Reactive spiral

Abstract

A sound suppressor is an internal or external device coupled to the barrel of a firearm. Its development has been historically related to the negative effects produced by the noise. This article presents the numerical and experimental analysis of a sound suppressor for a 5.56 mm caliber rifle. It was designed, manufactured, and tested inside a shooting tunnel for 911 m/s and 344 m/s velocities. Three geometric configurations with curved deflectors, conical deflectors, and finally with a reactive spiral capable of dissipating the acoustic wave were compared considering reactive and dissipative systems. The attenuation of the sound inside the silencer depends directly on the reduction of the projectile wave velocity and the deflagration of the gases at the instant of firing. Then the MIL-STD-1474E standard was used to carry out the experiments. The results in the computational numerical simulation show an average value of 143 dB for the considered three models, the Sound Pressure Level in the reactive core model decreased by 25% with respect to other proposals, which have an average value of 141 dB. These results can be useful to improve in the design of sound suppressors based on the needs of the users and under the specific characteristics of each weapon ballistic. 

Published
2021-02-01
How to Cite
Huerta-Torres, J., Silva-Rivera, U., Verduzco-Cedeño, V., Flores-Herrera, L., & Sandoval-Pineda, J. (2021). Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Sound Suppressor for a 5.56 mm Calibre. Defence Science Journal, 71(1), 12-17. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.71.14957
Section
Armaments & Explosives