Performance Evaluation of Gun Damping Systems with Variable Recoil Length and Spring Loaded Valves

Abstract

This paper presents modelling analysis and experimental testing of the performance of gun recoil system provided with variable recoil length and braked recuperator. The gun recoil cycle is studied considering the effect of presence of spring-loaded valve (SLV) in recoil system. A mathematical model has been developed using MATLAB/Simulink for the 130 mm M-46 Field Gun (FG). The model is validated by comparing theoretical recoil parameters with experimental data measured due to real firing tests. The firing tests were implemented for a new self-propelled system of the 130 mm FG that was designed and manufactured by the Egyptian Armed Forces. The results indicate that the recoil parameters are highly affected by the presence of the SLV. It has been found that the measured counter-recoil (CR) velocity is about 11% less than its counterpart predicted by the mathematical model without considering the effect of SLV. In addition, the driving force during CR is predicted to be 33% less compared to that without considering the effect of SLV. This causes the duration of CR time period to be 10% longer and the resistance against CR to be about 20% less compared to these values without considering the effect of SLV.