Hybrid Materials Approach to Large Muzzle Brakes

Muzzle brakes have been used to good effect for many decades to redirect propellant gases to the sides of the barrel limiting blast signature to the best possible extent. Muzzle brakes are traditionally made with cast metal, but composites are often suggested as a lightweight alternative due to their success in aerospace and automotive industries. High use temperatures are the biggest challenge, but wear is also a problem. Exhaust gas temperatures can exceed 3000 °F and most composites are usable up to 350 °F. A compromise solution is to make the muzzle brake with a metal core and a composite overwrap. The hybrid approach gives the designer flexibility in their trade space without sacrificing performance or longevity. CRG proposes to demonstrate an innovative hybrid materials approach for manufacture of howitzer muzzle brakes. It will provide designers with the ability to optimize for manufacturability to reduce production lead time, cost, and weight while maintaining current performance expectations related to thermal and pressure loads, wear, and overall durability. This will lead to increased range, mobility, and overall system effectiveness without compromising operational safety, longevity, or signature control concerns, which ultimately tie back to system effectiveness and crew safety as well.