Cannon Coating Erosion Modeling Achievements

Abstract : Our repeatedly verified erosion theories are derived from many years of conducting the Army's mission of characterizing a broad spectrum of fired and eroded cannons. Based on these characterizations, we chronicle the establishment, development, achievement, and advancement of the first practical cannon and cannon coating/ablative erosion models for large and medium caliber gun systems. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory's subsequent confirmation and adoption of our cannon and cannon coating/ablative erosion theories and models is also chronicled. This new method, in conjunction with limited-scale firings, has greatly increased the Army's technical capability and provides a reliable and cost effective means of comprehensively studying the erosion of coated cannon bores that previously required costly full-scale firings. Our comprehensive cannon erosion theories, models, and predictions have been widely embraced by Army and Navy program managers, saving them millions of dollars, and having a far-reaching impact on gun system design, optimization, and testing. Initially we discuss our early erosion theories and limited erosion models. Then we continue in chronological order with a discussion of our first practical cannon erosion model with an advanced artillery gun system example. Next, we discuss the extension of this initial model to our first practical cannon coating/ablative erosion model with an advanced medium caliber gun system example. We then discuss the adaptation of our cannon coating/ablative erosion model to advanced tank gun systems. Finally, we conclude with a description of our recent erosion modeling efforts. The following is a description of the methodology that has been established, developed, and applied to address the current Army problem of cannon bore erosion on advanced gun systems.