Generic Extruded Propellant Grain Surface and Volume Calculations

Experimental propelling charges that have non-standard extruded granular shapes require calculations of available burning surface area in order to be simulated by interior ballistic (IB) modeling applications. Formerly, extensive hand calculations or development of a one-of-a-kind form function was necessary in order to analyze the changes in surface area whenever non-standard grain geometries were to be used in experimental gun propelling charges. A quick. easy-to-use computer program has been developed to calculate surface and volume of propellant grains versus depth burning by an analysis of propellant slivers; the results are then added to create a full-grain form function. The resultant data can be used in IB programs to estimate maximum pressures and projectile velocities from experimental propelling charges and gun systems.Army Research Lab Aberdeen Proving Ground is the author of 'Generic Extruded Propellant Grain Surface and Volume Calculations' with ISBN 9781423519096 and ISBN 1423519094.