The accuracy and consistency of a large caliber gun is largely dependent on its dynamic response during the firing cycle. A number of factors affecting the dynamic response of the gun include, the offset masses attached to the barrel, offset forces acting at a distance from the barrel axis and the dynamic interaction between the gun system components, including the shot-barrel interaction. Computer based modelling techniques can be used to model and simulate the motion of the gun during the firing cycle. These techniques are helpful in predicting the dynamic response of the gun system as well as the accuracy and consistency of the gun. A finite element computer modelling program ‘ANSYS’ was used to model a 120mm direct fire tank gun and simulate the dynamic response during the recoil motion. The contact algorithm in ‘ANSYS’ was used to simulate physical interaction between the gun system components. Simulations were also carried out in the Gun Dynamics program ‘SIMBAD’ by using the same gun system profile and the results obtained from both programs were compared. A case study is also presented to investigate the effect of gun design parameters on the dynamic response of the gun.

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