RETENTION METHODS FOR PLASTIC ROTATING BANDS

THE PROBLEM IS TO DEVELOP SHALLOW DEPTH ROTATING BANDS FOR HIGH VELOCITY PROJECTILES THAT WILL MINIMIZE BARREL EROSION AND REDUCE DRAG TO AN ABSOLUTE MINIMUM, USING INEXPENSIVE METHODS OF RETAINING INJECTION-MOLDABLE THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS. THE PROPOSED APPROACH IS TO TRADE OFF STRONGLY-RETAINED LOW DRAG ROTATING BANDS AGAINST BARREL EXIT-SEPARATING BANDS THAT ARE ASSISTED IN RETENTION INSIDE THE GUN TUBE BY PROPELLANT PRESSURES. BAND MATERIALS, COUPLING AGENTS AND ADHESIVES WILL BE STUDIED FOR APPLICATION TO BOTH KINDS OF ROTATING BAND SYSTEMS. THE SYSTEMS PROMISING BEST PERFORMANCE, PRODUCIBILITY AND LOW COST WILL BE TESTED ON GUN-FIRED PROJECTILES IN PHASE 2.