Analysis of Ramming Process for 155 mm×52 Caliber Gun Barrel System

Abstract

The interaction between rotating band and barrel during the ramming and engraving process influences the performance of gun. Several studies for the latter process have been reported, while studies for the former are limited to a few gun systems, including 152 mm mod 77, 125 mm T-72 tank, 125 mm 2A46 tank, and have not undertaken for 155 mm×52 caliber gun. Therefore, finite element simulations of ramming process have been performed for new and worn-out barrel of 155 mm×52 caliber gun system. The effect of leading angle of band on the contact force is also studied. Results show that ramming velocity Vr of 5 m/s generates enough contact force to avoid the fallback of projectile for maximum angle of barrel-elevation. Also, contact force drops gradually as barrel wear increases till 0.5 %, but drops rapidly for further enhancement in barrel wear. The minimum Vr ensuring no fallback in a worn barrel increases marginally up to 1 % barrel-wear, but it increases exponentially for further rise in barrel wear. Further, the driving band with a leading angle of 3° is found to produce maximum contact pressure. The results obtained from this study would help in understanding the ramming process better for the 155mm × 52 mm Caliber gun. © 2026, DESIDOC.