Projectile sliding forces in a rifled barrel

Abstract

A theory is presented to determine the projectile sliding forces in interior ballistics. Emphasis is placed on the barrel entrance region where the projectile rotating bands are impelled on to the rifling. It is proposed that the contact stress is constant and is given by a modified von Mises failure criterion. Normal loads and friction forces are dependent on the growth of the contact area which is derived from the geometrical details of the projectile and barrel. Radial displacements at the contract are included. The theory is in agreement with quasi-static and dynamic laboratory tests.