Channel-Filled Ignition System to Reduce Propellant Pressure Oscillations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition systems for artillery propellant charges often result in high gas pressure oscillations, leading to potential weapon destruction and safety hazards for the operating crew.
Innovation Solution
The proposed ignition system uses a channel filled with primary ignition material, such as powder granules, to achieve a rapid and uniform flash-through deflagration, minimizing gas pressure oscillations and ensuring even ignition of the propellant charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ignition systems are used for artillery propellant charges, then the ignition can be achieved, but high gas pressure oscillations occur leading to potential weapon destruction and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition system is divided into multiple segments: a primary ignition charge positioned at the closed end of the charge chamber, and multiple secondary ignition charges distributed along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the ignition process to occur in staged manner, with each charge igniting a portion of the propellant, thereby preventing the formation of large-scale gas pressure oscillations that would occur with a single ignition source.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the charge chamber are assigned different ignition characteristics. The primary ignition charge provides initial ignition at the closed end, while secondary ignition charges are strategically positioned to provide localized ignition at specific points along the chamber. This local quality approach ensures uniform ignition distribution and prevents concentrated energy release that causes pressure oscillations.
2Device complexity
If a single ignition source is used, then the ignition system is simple, but uniform ignition of the propellant charge is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition system is divided into multiple segments: a primary ignition charge positioned at the closed end of the charge chamber, and multiple secondary ignition charges distributed along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the ignition process to occur in staged manner, with each charge igniting a portion of the propellant, thereby preventing the formation of large-scale gas pressure oscillations that would occur with a single ignition source.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition charges are pre-positioned at specific locations within the charge chamber before the firing event. The primary ignition charge is placed at the closed end, while secondary ignition charges are pre-placed at predetermined positions along the longitudinal axis. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when ignition occurs, the propellant is ignited uniformly from multiple points simultaneously, achieving precise ignition control without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
3Power
If powder granules fill the channel to high density (90-95%), then deflagration occurs with high ignition power, but the channel requires precise dimensional control
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for parameter changes in the filling density of the powder granules within the channel. While high density (90-95%) provides maximum ignition power and deflagration efficiency, the system can operate with lower filling densities (50-60%) if manufacturing precision constraints prevent achieving the optimal density. This parameter flexibility ensures that the ignition system can function effectively across a range of manufacturing tolerances while still achieving the desired ignition performance.
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
This approach reduces the risk of weapon destruction and ensures higher accuracy by minimizing gas pressure oscillations, allowing for a more uniform and controlled ignition of the propellant charge.
Implementation Method 1
The proposed ignition system achieves a rapidly moving flame or particle front over the path or a partial path of the propellant charge to be ignited, e.g., from a first end to a second end of the (first) channel. For this purpose, the well-known effect in pyrotechnics of flash-through of a powder suitable for igniting a propellant charge, e.g., black powder, is used.
Implementation Method 2
The channel contains a primary ignition material in the form of powder granules or prepared fibers. The powder granules or prepared fibers collectively fill the channel or its channel volume such that, when ignited, a flash-through of the primary ignition material occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
An ignition system for igniting a propellant charge for a projectile. A channel extends along a channel longitudinal direction and is outwardly delimited by a wall. A primary ignition material in the form of powder granules or prepared fibers is contained in the channel. The powder granules or prepared fibers collectively fill the channel such that, when ignited, a flash-through of the primary ignition material occurs. Also provided are a propellant charge and a piece of ammunition.