Ordnance applications, including projectile and launcher technologies, present unique opportunities for polymer-matrix composite materials. The Army has significant need for lightweight materials in these applications, but the materials have to withstand harsh ballistic and environmental conditions. For projectiles, composite materials are needed as structural members to launch submunitions. These materials must be light, since their mass is parasitic to the limited kinetic energy available for projectile acceleration, and stiff to provide structural support for the submunitions, but they must also be able survive the intense three-dimensional impulse loading associated with launch. Two of these applications, the high capacity artillery shell and the sabot for a kinetic energy penetrator, are described. Both of these applications utilize thick composite structures and have been successfully fired. Ordnance launcher technologies include the development of lightweight mortar and howitzer systems as well as flywheels for power storage. While the projectile technologies are highly optimized for a very limited life (one shot), durability and fatigue are much more important considerations in launcher systems. The howitzer and mortar are designed for a limited, low-cycle fatigue life. Flywheels are especially important in pulsed power rotating machines for electric armaments.
Ordnance applications of polymer-matrix composite materials
1998
13 Seiten, 14 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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