Ceramic munitions projectile
AssigneeCoors Porcelain Company
InventorsBrian I. Dinkha, Paul B. Jasa, Brian Seegmiller, Alden C. Simmons
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A ceramic munitions projectile, particularly useful for practice or target munitions is provided. The projectile has a tensile strength greater than about 250 MPa, a critical stress intensity factor greater than about 6 MPam.sup.1/2, and a Weibull modulus greater than about 10. Preferably the projectile is frangible.
Claims14
A tough, densified munitions projectile comprising a ceramic having a tensile strength greater than about 250 MPa, a critical stress intensity factor greater than about 6 MPam.sup.1/2, and a Weibull modulus greater than about 10, said ceramic comprising material selected from the group consisting of zirconia, zirconia-toughened alumina, and SiC whisker-reinforced alumina.
The frangible, tough, densified ceramic munitions projectile comprising partially-stabilized zirconia having a tensile strength greater than about 350 MPa, a critical stress intensity factor greater than about 12 MPam.sup.1/2, and a Weibull modulus greater than about 18.
A cartridge for firing from a gun comprising:
- a casing having an opened end;
- a strong, tough, densified ceramic projectile comprising material selected from the group consisting of zirconia, zirconia-toughened alumina, and SiC whisker-reinforced alumina, having sufficient strength and toughness to remain integral during firing and travel through a barrel said projectile comprising a ceramic material having a tensile strength greater than about 250 MPa, a critical stress intensity factor greater than about 6 MPam.sup.1/2, and a Weibull modulus greater than about 10, a portion of said projectile disposed within said opened end of said casing;
- and
- propellant in said casing for firing said projectile from a gun.
A tough, densified munitions projectile comprising a ceramic having a tensile strength greater than about 250 MPa, a critical stress intensity factor greater than about 6 MPam.sup.1/2, a Weibull modulus greater than about 10, and a modulus of elasticity less than about 400 GPa.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.