Barrel Nozzle and Degradable Sabot for Higher Projectile Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearms face limitations in achieving high initial projectile velocities due to constraints on propellant gas pressure, barrel material strength, and sabot systems, which restrict performance and efficiency, especially in small and medium caliber weapons.
Innovation Solution
A projectile system using a degradable sabot made of materials like nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and polymers, which erodes within the conical barrel to form a protective layer, combined with a nozzle to accelerate propellant gases to supersonic speeds, optimizing thrust and reducing thermal stress on the barrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If propellant gas pressure is increased to maximize projectile velocity, then initial velocity is improved, but barrel material strength and thermal stress become limiting factors
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel is segmented into two functional zones: a conical section with decreasing diameter that generates thermal stress to degrade the sabot, and a cylindrical section with constant diameter for stable projectile propulsion. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both thermal degradation of the sabot and controlled pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel geometry changes parameterically along its length - the conical section provides a gradually decreasing diameter that creates varying thermal stress conditions, while the cylindrical section maintains constant parameters for stable propulsion. This parameter change optimizes both sabot degradation and projectile velocity.
2Ease of operation
If a sabot system is used to guide sub-caliber projectiles, then projectile guidance is improved, but sabot mass increases thermal stress on the barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The sabot is designed to be dynamically degraded during projectile motion. The conical barrel section creates thermal stress that progressively degrades the sabot material, reducing its mass and thermal stress contribution over time. This dynamic degradation allows the sabot to provide initial guidance while minimizing long-term thermal burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal stress that would normally be harmful to the barrel is converted into a beneficial mechanism for sabot degradation. The conical barrel section intentionally generates thermal stress to erode and remove the sabot, transforming a potential harm (thermal stress) into a useful function (sabot removal).
3Speed
If barrel length is increased to extend propulsion phase, then projectile velocity is improved, but weapon size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel is divided into two distinct geometric sections: a conical section for sabot degradation and a cylindrical section for stable propulsion. This segmentation provides a systematic approach to managing barrel complexity while achieving extended propulsion phase and optimized projectile velocity.
4Speed
If propellant charge quantity is increased to maximize velocity, then projectile velocity is improved, but thermal stress on barrel and sabot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The increased thermal stress from higher propellant charge is converted into a beneficial mechanism for sabot degradation. The conical barrel section is designed to generate this thermal stress to erode and remove the sabot, transforming the harmful thermal effect into a useful function that reduces sabot mass and facilitates projectile exit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances projectile velocity beyond conventional limits by minimizing sabot mass and thermal stress, maintaining weapon performance over time, and allowing for higher firing rates without material degradation.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the propulsion gases generated by the combustion of the propellant charge passes through a nozzle bringing the propulsion gases to a supersonic speed, placed in the barrel, between the breech and the projectile
Implementation Method 2
A projectile system using a degradable sabot made of materials like nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and polymers, which erodes within the conical barrel to form a protective layer
Data Source
AI summary
This ammunition and weapon system, in which a projectile (7) is thrust by a propellant gas obtained from the combustion of a propellant charge (10) inside a barrel (4) that is closed at one end by a breech (1) and is open at its other end, is characterized that at least part of the propulsion gases generated by the combustion of the propellant charge (10) runs through a nozzle (3) which is located in the barrel (4), between the breech (1) and the projectile (7), and which comprises a convergent (3a), a neck (3b) and a divergent (3c), one after the other in the direction of the open end of the barrel.