Theoretical and numerical research on the dynamic launch response of carbon fiber composite cartridges

Understanding the dynamic response of composite material cartridges during the firing process is of great significance for improving their reliability and safety. A theoretical model describing the dynamic response of composite material cartridges is established based on the thick-walled cylinder theory and rate-dependent constitutive model of composite materials. The correctness of the theoretical model is validated through finite element simulations of cartridge deformation. The influence of chamber pressure and cartridge wall thickness on the cartridge’s deformation process and stress distribution is analyzed. The results indicate that the primary deformation of composite material cartridges inside the chamber is elastic deformation. Compared to metal cartridges, composite material cartridges require higher pressure for touching-chamber and are more prone to developing gaps after unloading to ensure smooth extraction. During the deformation process, the touching-chamber behavior of the cartridge can improve the stress distribution. Under the same chamber pressure, the touching-chamber behavior can reduce the circumferential stress by approximately 30%. The inner wall surface of the cartridge is a critical area that requires attention. The touching-chamber behavior can be facilitated by appropriately reducing the cartridge wall thickness while ensuring overall strength. This study can provide guidance for the optimization design of composite material cartridges.