Output testing of small-arms primersThe performance of two standard primers for initiating small-caliber ammunition are compared to that of a primer for initiating aircraft escape-system components. Three testing methods are employed including: (1) firing the primer to measure total energy delivered; (2) monitoring output in terms of gaseous product-mass flow rate and pressure as a function of time; and (3) firing the primer onto ignition material to study gas pressure produced during ignition and burning as a function of time. The results of the test demonstrate differences in the ignitability factors of the standard primers and time peak pressures of less than 100 microseconds. One unexpected result is that two percussion primers (the FA-41 and the M42C1) developed for different applications have the same ignitability. The ignitability test method is shown to yield the most useful data and can be used to specify percussion primers and optimize their performance.
Document ID
19920050368
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bement, Laurence J. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Doris, Thomas A. (U.S. Army, Research and Development Command, Picatinny Arsenal NJ, United States)
Schimmel, Morry L. (Schimmel Co. Saint Louis, MO, United States)