The present study deals with the evaluation of ballistic parameters of power cartridge in vented vessel (VV) for waterjet application using statistical methods. VV is test equipment which approximately simulates the motion of projectile in dynamic condition. Power cartridges are basically known as pyrotechnically or propellant actuated devices (PADs) utilized in disruptor to create a high velocity jet of water. Because of fast burning characteristics, high burning rate, density and easy ignition characteristics, it quickly develops both products of combustion, high pressure and temperature gases. This acts as a dominant force during propellant combustion in the cartridge case. The high velocity water-jet aids in destroying the suspected improvised explosive devices (IED's) effectively. To evaluate the performance parameters, VV was designed, fabricated and tested in the laboratory. The vessel body is provided with orifice or vent of 5 mm diameter through which combustion gases are allowed to flow. The gas pressure generated by the power cartridge was measured using the pressure transducer fitted over the vented vessel body. It is paramount and an essential task for determination of correct pressure inside a vessel. This parameter simulates the motion of projectile inside the barrel in which change of volume occurs. The purpose of this study is to generate and measure the maximum pressure and rise time for maximum pressure of the cartridge by single base propellant in VV. The use of this evaluation method helps in understanding the behaviour of the propellant and acceptance of the propellant lot for cartridge production. An experimental study involves a burning of known mass of propellant inside VV at hot and cold conditions. Single base propellants with 3 g mass and pyrotechnic 0.5 g are used in VV firing. The experimental results revealed that the maximum pressure (Pmax) in hot is more than that of cold condition, whereas time for maximum pressure is less in hot than that of cold condition. This paper presents an experimental finding carried out for ballistic performance parameters evaluation using data acquisition system and the statistical data for disruptor weapon at hot and cold temperature. The existing work was dedicated to evaluate the performance of the cartridge inside the VV. This research study reported that it is good agreement for the experimental trials considering performance evaluation of power cartridge in dynamic mode.
ballistic, vented vessel, power cartridge, performance evaluation, propellant