Influence of normal and LOVA propellant charges on 20-mm-gun-tube erosion

Single-shot experiments have been carried out in the ISL 20-mm-caliber test-gun. For these investigations the gun tube was fired with the single-base propellant A 5020, the MRCA propellant Q 5560, the double-base GB-Pa 125/0.8 propellant and three different LOVA-propellant charges of ICT. Steel surface elements have been examined after shooting for determination of suface erosion as well as the erosion of edges. These sensors have been investigated by surface analytical and metallographical methods at IFAM. The aim of these examinations was directed towards the finding of erosion mechanisms caused by the interaction of the hot propelling gases with the inner gun-tube wall, especially the influence of additives (TiO2/talc/wax) was of interest.