Erosion in Large Gun Barrels

Book excerpt: Confronted with problems associated with the continual upgrading of field guns, reducing the number of different items in supply and lowering overall costs, the Department of the Army has need for improved methods of reducing erosion and extending the wear life of long range cannon. The National Materials Advisory Board was asked to consider all facets of this need and to make recommendations. Erosion in Large Gun Barrels assesses the nature of the bore erosion problem; identifies fruitful areas of research; assesses the state of technology of materials and methods in areas which may become significant to gun tubes of improved performance; and suggests experimental techniques, devices, and instruments and methods of reducing data to enhance the continuing coordination of the activities of the three Services.