Investigation on Structural and Thermal Analysis of Medium Calibre Cannon Gun Barrels

Abstract

With the advent of new technologies, the rapid-firing cannon is transforming from a field to a precision weapon, enhancing accuracy and reliability. The cannons are the heart of mobile weapon platforms which offer precise offensive and defensive firepower against a broad range of threats. The barrels are the integral part of cannons which are indebted to a high rate of firepower, accuracy and muzzle velocity. The maximum chamber pressure, gun design and service pressure, mechanical and thermodynamic properties, propellant mass and energy are the vital functional parameters required to design the cannon barrels. Structural and thermal analysis of barrels, using analytical and simulation studies are compared and validated. The design methodology studies to estimate maximum safe pressure, a factor of safety and thickness ratio along the length of barrels are also discussed.