Projectile Propellant Cavity and Nozzle for High Velocity Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional munitions are limited by maximized muzzle velocities, resulting in limited range and decreasing velocities once they leave the barrel, and face issues such as premature or delayed ignition, fracturing of propellant, uncontrolled ignition, exposure to environmental conditions, and incompatibility with standard weapons systems.
Innovation Solution
A projectile design featuring a cavity with controlled propellant ignition, protected from fracturing and environmental effects, using a base with an ignition flash column and a nozzle that can be opened and closed to manage propellant burn and thrust, allowing for precise ignition and stable flight at velocities exceeding 6,000 feet per second.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional propellant systems are used in standard weapons, then compatibility with existing weapons systems is maintained, but muzzle velocity is limited and range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant system is divided into two separate components: cartridge case propellant for initial acceleration and projectile propellant for sustained thrust. This segmentation allows each propellant to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining compatibility with standard weapons through the cartridge case component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge case propellant performs preliminary acceleration of the projectile through the barrel, establishing initial velocity and ensuring compatibility with standard weapons. The projectile propellant then provides continued thrust after barrel exit, extending range beyond what conventional single-stage systems achieve.
2Reliability
If propellant is exposed to environmental conditions, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but burn rate becomes irregular and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile propellant is nested within a cavity in the projectile body, creating a protected internal environment that shields the propellant from environmental conditions while maintaining a compact structure suitable for standard ammunition dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile cavity creates a controlled, isolated environment for the propellant that excludes environmental factors such as moisture and temperature variations, ensuring consistent burn rate and reliable ignition regardless of external conditions.
3Measurement precision
If propellant ignition is uncontrolled, then ignition system is simpler, but premature or delayed ignition occurs reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
An ignition flash column acts as an intermediary between the cartridge case primer and the projectile propellant. It provides a controlled ignition pathway that ensures precise timing and location of propellant ignition, preventing premature or delayed ignition while maintaining a relatively simple overall ignition system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition flash column is pre-positioned within the projectile cavity to ensure that ignition occurs at the precise desired location and time. This preliminary arrangement of the ignition pathway eliminates the need for complex active control mechanisms while achieving precise ignition timing.
4Reliability
If propellant is not protected from mechanical stress, then structure is simpler, but propellant fractures and powders reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant is nested within a cavity in the projectile body, providing mechanical protection that prevents fracturing and powdering during handling, loading, and flight while maintaining a compact structure that fits within standard ammunition dimensions.
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
The solution enables controlled ignition and stable flight at high velocities, maintaining accuracy and extending range while protecting the propellant from environmental factors and ensuring compatibility with standard weapons systems, achieving reliable and precise projectile performance.
Implementation Method 1
a base including an ignition flash column extending into the cavity
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle (e.g., a nozzle and/or tube) formed so as to be openable and closable
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile (and munition including the projectile) and a method of assembling the same, includes a body having a cavity, a propellant disposed in the cavity and a base including an ignition flash column extending into the cavity containing the propellant and a nozzle formed so as to be openable and closeable.