Dynamical Loading of the Muzzle Area of a Gun Barrel Including a Muzzle Brake

A modern tank gun for light vehicles should be light in weight and have a low recoil force. Therefore it needs an integrated muzzle brake that, however, reduces the strength in the muzzle area. The loading due to gas pressure in this area is as fast as the projectile, and some dynamical effects like traveling waves have to be taken into account. The analytical solution of traveling waves for a smooth tube will be explained on the basis of the shell theory for thin shells. The solution leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of these waves than a pure numerical solution. Since tubes are not really thin, even in the muzzle area, the error that may occur when applying the shell theory is estimated. The analytical solution will be compared to some finite element solutions, which include a multiperforated muzzle brake with a cover tube. The results give some useful hints to the interaction between gas pressure, projectile velocity, and wall thickness and help to reduce the weight of the barrel.