DEVELOPMENT OF A METHOD FOR PREDICTING BARREL WEAR RESISTANCE WHEN USING AMMUNITION WITH A LONG STORAGE LIFE.

Despite the fact that a large amount of small arms ammunition has been used up over the past two years, their stocks in warehouses and arsenals in various countries are quite large. And their shelf life is 20 years or more. In addition, over time, the number of such ammunition will increase. Among the large number of requirements for modern small arms, one can highlight the provision of the necessary survivability of its parts and mechanisms. The problem of barrel survivability is especially important. One of the factors affecting barrel survivability is changes in internal ballistics parameters. In turn, these parameters change when using ammunition whose service life exceeds the warranty. In this regard, the task of studying the survivability indicators of small arms barrels when using post-warranty ammunition seems relevant. The requirements for barrel systems and factors affecting the wear of the barrel bore of powder charges during long-term storage have been determined. An analysis of changes in the ballistic characteristics of powder charges was carried out, which allows to state increased wear of barrels when using ammunition with long storage periods. The dependencies for determining the limit number of shots from a weapon sample are analyzed. A method for predicting barrel survivability when using long-term storage ammunition is proposed. Data are presented on an experimental study to determine changes in barrel survivability as a result of the use of long-term storage ammunition by estimating changes in the initial velocity of the projectile. Based on the results obtained, ways for further research are proposed in the direction of expanding the range of ammunition and weapons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]