Understanding and Predicting Gun Barrel Erosion

́e Australian Defence Force will soon have to contend with gun barrel erosion issues arising from the use of new low-vulnerability gun propellants, the acquisition of new ammunition and gun systems, and possible modifications to existing propelling charge designs. A critical, technical review of advances in gun barrel erosion research, mitigation, and assessment over the last fifteen years is presented. Known and postulated erosion mechanisms, obtained through recent experimental and numerical modelling work, are described and contrasted. New approaches to erosion mitigation and updated knowledge of existing methods are reviewed. Also included is an assessment of the utility of the various erosion modelling and experimental techniques, and notes on their possible use for defence applications in Australia. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE