Propellant powder charge for barrel weapon

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing propellant powder charges intended for heavy barrel weapons, such as canons and howitzers, and with a high degree of filling and a high energy content, and also to propellant powder charges produced in accordance with this method. The charges according to the invention are distinguished by the fact that 70 to 95% of their weight consists of a more coarsely grained powder and 30 to 5% consists of a granular powder with a smaller grain size. These two powders have the same of different chemical composition, and one or more of them can be surface-inhibited.

1 - 7 . (Cancelled).  
   
   
       8 . A method for producing progressive propellant powder charges suitable for use in barrel weapons having a high degree of filling or loading density and thus also a high energy content at which the charge is produced, the method comprising: 
 mixing at least two types of granular powder of different grain size, of which at least one of the at least two powder types with a largest grain size and a larger number of internal priming channels has a progressive burn characteristic,    wherein, as subsidiary components of an actual charge, granular powders are chosen having size, geometric shape, and quantities adapted to give a smallest possible empty spaces between the powder grains.    
   
   
       9 . The method of claim  1 , wherein a starting material chosen for the charge comprises at least two types of powder whose mutual progressivity has been optimized for a particular purpose.  
   
   
       10 . The method of claim  1 , wherein a starting material chosen for the charge comprises granular powder having a same or different chemical composition, but with different grain size and a different number of internal priming channels.  
   
   
       11 . The method of claim  1 , wherein, when choosing a starting material, powder types are chosen of which one or more are surface-inhibited.  
   
   
       12 . The method of claim  1 , wherein, of the powder types included in a finished charge, all the types are introduced contemporaneously with each other and, at the same time a casing or cartridge to which the powder is added and in which the charge is to be stored prior to use is subjected to vibrations which improve a degree of packing of the charge.  
   
   
       13 . Propellant powder charge suitable for use in barrel weapons and having a high degree of filling or loading density and with a high energy content, the power charge comprising: 
 at least two different types of granular powder of which at least one type has a progressive burn characteristic and in which one or more of these powders is surface-inhibited,    wherein burn characteristics of each of these different powders are adapted to one another while their mutual grain sizes and quantities of each powder included in a charge are adapted to one another such that an empty space remaining between the powder grains is minimized.    
   
   
       14 . The propellant powder charge of  claim 13 , wherein between 70-95% of a powder charge weight comprises relatively coarsely grained powder, and 
 wherein 30-5% of the weight comprises a relatively more finely grained powder,    wherein these two powders have a same or different chemical composition and at least one of the two powders is progressive and one or more of the two powders is surface-inhibited.    
   
   
       15 . The propellant powder charge of  claim 14 , wherein between 75 to 85% of of a powder charge weight comprises relatively coarsely grained powder.  
   
   
       16 . The propellant powder charge of  claim 14 , wherein the coarsely grained powder is either 19-hole or 37-hole powder cut into short sections.  
   
   
       17 . The propellant powder charge of  claim 14 , wherein the finely grained powder is either 1-hole or 7-hole powder.