초록 ▼

The invention is an improved solid propellant grain, wherein the solid propellant grain is structured to provide a programmed method and system for splitting the solid propellant grain at a programmed moment to provide an increase in the burning surface. The programmed-splitting of the solid propell

The invention is an improved solid propellant grain, wherein the solid propellant grain is structured to provide a programmed method and system for splitting the solid propellant grain at a programmed moment to provide an increase in the burning surface. The programmed-splitting of the solid propellant grain provides improved ballistic performance of guns, which yields a higher muzzle velocity for a given projectile without increasing the maximum pressure exerted on the gun chamber. The improvement consists of embodiments that are a plurality of slits of various configurations through the longitudinal length of each grain of solid propellant. The improvement includes a structure to delay end burning of the grains until the longitudinal exterior surface burns sufficiently to split the grain into a plurality of sections at a programmed moment when the increased burning surface is desired to occur. The improvement also consists of another embodiment wherein the grain is structured in a spiral configuration to provide a similar increased burning surface for a programmed moment when the increased burning surface is desired to occur.

대표청구항 ▼

A propellant for improved ballistic performance of guns, comprising: a grain, said grain being a solid propellant, said grain having a diameter and an external surface, said grain having a longitudinal axis therethrough, said propellant being subject to burning when ignited; and a plurality of slits

A propellant for improved ballistic performance of guns, comprising: a grain, said grain being a solid propellant, said grain having a diameter and an external surface, said grain having a longitudinal axis therethrough, said propellant being subject to burning when ignited; and a plurality of slits, said plurality of slits extending longitudinally through said grain of solid propellant, each of said plurality of slits having a width, said plurality of slits each having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis of said grain and each axis of said plurality of slits being coincidental, said grain being capable of splitting into a plurality of programmed sections as said external surface regresses due to said burning, wherein each of said plurality of slits is equally sized and configured, and additionally, a plurality of perforations, said plurality of perforations being spaced apart, said plurality of perforations being longitudinally through said grain, said plurality of perforations being of a slit-like configuration in cross sectional.