Numerical modelling of heat transfer and simulation of a 5.56 mm rifle barrel

Abstract

Numerical simulations tend to be useful to have a deep knowledge of phenomena difficult to be observed. In this context, the heat transfer in a 5.56 mm rifle barrel was modelled, simulated and analysed, coupling the Baer-Frankle interior ballistics approach with one and two-dimensional unsteady heat diffusion numerical models. The heat transfer coefficient correlation was obtained using Sutherland approximation of diffusive transport coefficient and output data from PRODAS interior ballistics simulation software. The one-dimensional heat transfer model was solved in MATLAB® environment while the two-dimensional heat transfer model was solved in COMSOL Multiphysics and Simulation Software. The results were verified, providing discrepancies minor than 7% in relation to reference data.