US726901A - Explosive charge. - Google Patents

Description

No. 726,901. PATENTED MAY 5, 1903.

L. MTHMABHW.` EXPLOSIVB GHARGL APPLICATION FILED MAY 27, 1899. No MODEL.

3 SHEETS-SHEET L No. 726,901. PATENTE@ MAY 5,1903..

^ L. GA'IHMANN.v

EXPLOSIVE CHARGE.

' APPLICATION FILED MAY 27, 1899.

3 SHEETS--SHBET 2..

No. 726,901. PATENTED MAY 5, 1903.

L. GATHMANN. EXPLO'SIVE CHARGE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 2v, 199e, No MODEL. s SHEETS-SHEET 3.

UNITE Sfr-Ares Patented May '5, '1.903.

lLOUIS GATIIMANN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO GEORGE WHITMAN MOMULLEN, OF IPICTCN, CANADA.

ExPLosivE CHARGE.'

SPECIFICATION forming para of Letters Patent No. 726,901, dated May 5, 1903.

Auplication filed May 27,1899. Serial No. 718,518.. (No specimens.)

Be itknown that I, LOUIS GATHMANN, acitizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Explosive Charges; and I do hereby declaro the following to be a full, lclear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to ro make and use the same.

This invention relates to explosive charges forpropelling projectiles from gu ns and simi# lar weapons, and is particularly designed for explosive charges made from colloidal explosive compounds, such as nitrocellulose orguncotton alone or combined, and generally of colloidal smokeless explosives, although the same may be applied to other explosives, such as ordinary gunpowder, provided they may zo be obtained in such a condition as to retain the shapes imparted to them after molding.

The objects of this invention are to obtain a propelling charge which when fired will burn and be consumed at a uniformly-increasing rate throughout its entire ina-ss, and

thereby generate gases in a uniformly-increasing quantity, so as to generate a uniformly-increasing accelerating force upon the projectile and to obviate all danger of a sudden undue increase of pressure, which would injuriously affect the gun.

A further object ot' this invention is to produce a propelling charge whose rate of conibustion can be determined with reasonable certaintyand accuracy lmforehaud and which will thus furnish su iii-sieur data to correctly calculate the velocity and trajectory of the projectile to be fired such charge. As will be readily understood, this is a matter of the 4o utmost importance in gunuery.

Itis the object of this invention, moreover, to effect the above results in a manner con-l sistentivih cheapness and ecouoiuyol manufacture.

It has heretofore heen proposed to obviate the danger of sudden .shocks upon the pro;

f jectile and the inner walls of the gun or to avoid a decreasingv er uneven rate or" gas gen-- eration by forming smokeless or other pow- 5o ders into sticks or peliets, which were profvided with longitudinal perforations. These perforated pellets or sticks were either' i`ntroduced into the charge-chamber of the gun in the shape of short sticks or grains,

or a number of long longitudinally-perforated sticks were assembled in the form of cylindrical bundles or fagots held together by a suitable Wrapper or envelop of silk` the whole forming a propelling cartridge or bag about the size of the charge-chamber 6o ot the gun. Both of these forms of charges are unsatisfactory and will not result'n an even burning of the explosive throughout its entire body and in an unimpeded passageof the dames through the perforations or vents in the pellets or sticks, for the reason that if these pellets are made the full length of the charge the generation of gases after ignition proceeds with such rapidity that, they cannot escape at the end openings of the 7o cartridge or the charge suiciently fast to prevent sudden interior pressures or shocks and consequent fracture of the pellets or sticks into numerous small fragments, .Whereby an enormously-increased surface ofthe explosive is `suddenly presented to the flame, which must necessarily result in an enormous increase of pressure. If the pellets are malle shorter than the full length of the charge, their openings or vents cannot in practice be 8o made to register, and hence the occurrence of sudden fracturing-shocks Will-be enhanced to a still greater extent. In both cases the sudden increase of pressure Will ,no t be distributed throughout the entire extent of the chamber, but will generally be very unevenly distributed and largely concentrated at only a portion of the charge-chamber, thus still further increasing the injurious elect of the explosive. y

In all known cliaf'ges the flames cannot come into contact with the exterior of the charge unless the same does not completely lill out the charge-chamber. If the same does not completely fill out the bore ofthe chargechamber, its mass will `be concentrated at a point below the center of the bore, and hence an unequal pressure will be distributed throughoutthe saine, which of course s'objectionable' Furthermore, all the perforated me or fecessed Isin'okeless-pnivder chargeswith which I am acqilainte `are insuiirciently late the velocity and trajectory of a projectile vented-that is to say, the recesses are so formed and arranged that the gases of explosion generated cannot escape suiciently fast from the perforations orrecesses to prevent their being dam med up, thus fracturing the charge into numerous fragments, and

'thereby suddenly increasing the combustionfired with such powder.

Myinvention has been designed to remedy the above objections and to realize the objects set forth, and a propelling charge or cartridge embodying the said invention is so constructed that it will fill out or substantially' fit in the bore of the charge-chamber, while at the same time it permitsthe practically simultaneous passage of the flames of ignition and combustion to all parts of the charge-to the parts remote from the vignition-point as well as those near the same-the dames Ypassing around the entire outer surface and through the mass of the 'charge and preferably, also, thropgh the center of the same, the mass of the charge being so arranged, apertured, and'recessed that as the combustion proceeds continuously and uniformly increasing surfaces are presented tothe action pfthe flames. Thus there results a uniform and continuous increase in the evolution of propulsive gases and a consequent continual uniform increase of the pressure which urges the projectile toward androut from the muzzle of the gun. Moreover, by my invention the pressure produced by the development of the gases is rapidly and uniformly distributed on the Val rions parts of the charge, so tha't there will be no tendency to fracture the. charge, as would be the case if one portion thereof were submitted to substantially a greater pressure than another.

Y* In the preferable construction of propelling charges embodying this invention the same consists of a ycentral core, from which radiate a series of arms extending the entire length of the chamber, the outer surfaces of said arms forming practically a portion of a cylinder concentric with the inner cor'e. The

`central core is preferably provided with a central passage for tll'liames, although in some cases this central, passage may be omitted. Between the above longitudinal radial arms are arranged transverse .or sectoral spaces which permit the passage of the flames ,along the entire lateral surfaces of these radial arms of the explosive charge. 'lo furtherincrease the fiameimpinged surfaces, these radial arms are honeycombed with numerous transverse passages, which permit the dames to lpass through the arms at a sulliciently great number of points, these passages preferably having daring orifices, so as to obviate any liability of imnededeirculation of the flames and consequent fracture of the charge. Itis to be noted, moreover, that these transverse passages are preferably, although not necessarily, of a hexagonal shape, and .that the walls of the central passage (in cases where the same is employed) are preferably made` parallel to the sides of the hexagonal transverse concentric passages in the radial alims,

and that the outer surfaces of said arms are also arranged substantially parallel to the sides of said hexagonal passages.l The transverse passages are, moreover, so located with relation to eachother and to the `outer surfaces of the radial arms and the walls of the central passage of the charge that asthe surfaces of the transverse passages Y are consu med their advancing exposed surfaces meet each other and also the outer advancing combustion-surfaces of the radial arms and in many cases also those of the central opening at intermediate points in such away that when they meet all of the mass of the radial arms of the charge and all or the greater portion of the central core willhave been consumed, thus leavingno residues or only a very small residue of uncousumed explosive of a vastlydecreased surface, thus eliminating the objectionable feature of a sudden decrease in the propulsive acceleration.

A charge having the arrangement and cele lular structure above set forth may ofcourse be made in various ways; but it is preferably made from a series of thin disks having the shape of the cross-section of the cartridge and provided with transverse recesses in their radial arms', each recess forming either a portion or the whole of the transverse flame-passages in the radial arms of the'cartridge. These star-shaped disks, which may be formed by molding or stamping the explosive in any suitable manner, are assembled or piled .one upon the other in a sufficient number to form a complete cartridge, the radial arms of all the disks being preferably in register and the recesses forming the vents or transverse flame-passages in the cartridge. Any suitable cement, adhesiveor solvent, of the explosive' material of the cartridge which will not interfere with the ready combustion of the explosive and leave objectionable residue may be employed to unite the disks into a single cartridge.

vIn the accompanying drawings l have illustrated a propelling or explosive charge embodying what l .consider the best form ofcarrying out my invention.

In the drawings, Figure lrepresents substantially a full-size faceview of one of the star-shaped disks of explosive material forming part of such charge designed .for asixinchl gun; Fig. 2, a longitudinal central section along line 2 2, Fig'. 1, of a series of such disks piled one upon the other and forming acompleto charge or a portion of such complete charge; Fig. 3, an isometric view df a complete ,charge on a somewhat-reduced scale; Fig. 4, a longitudinal central section IOO of the breech portion of a piece of ordnance with such charge in 'operative position, also on a reduced scale; Fig. 5, a face view of a disk of explosive material embodying a some What-modified form of my invention; Fig. G, a longitudinal -central section of a pair of such disks assembled and united, and Fig. 7 a side elevation of charge under my invention made up of sections; Fig. 8, an isometric view of another modified form of charge under my invention.

Throughout the drawings the same charactersof reference designate the same parts.

Referring first to Figs. l to 4, it will be noted that the charge or cartridge A is substantially of the form of a cylindersomewhat tapered near its forward portion A' and provided with a series of open longitudinal channels a, extending unobstructed its entire length, and also provided with a'central channel or boreb, also extending unobstructed the entire length of the cartridge. This arrangement of channels is effected by making the charge or cartridge consist of a central longitudinal core B, within which is arranged the central bore b, and from which core extend, preferably, radial arms or ribs O, also extending the entire-length of the charge and leaving between them substantiallytriangular orlsectoral prismatic and preferably equal longitudinal flame passages or channels a, above referred to, Whose the core B and which are open at the periphery of the cartridge. These flame-passages extend in the general direction of the length of the unit or charge and are open to the exteriorof the same, so that the pressure developed by their respective burning surfaces may be substantially equalized and distributed not only throughout the unit or charge, but also upon the exteriorl of the same andin the charge-chamber.

The radial arms or ribs C are riddled or honeycombed by series of perforations or vents d, which pierce the same transversely at numerous points, as' shown, and thereby place the dame-passages in communication Witheach other,so as to insurethe rapid equalization of pressureupon the various parts. The preferable'shape and their relative location -with respect to each'otherand periphery of will havebeen entirely the cartridge, as well'as the walls of the central core `B, are such that as the charge or cartridge is being consumed their constantly `and gradually increasing burning surfaces will meet each other, as wcllas the advancing surfaces of the peripheries. C' of the arms C, along lines where the material of the charge i consumed, thus leaving no portion of the material for subsequent combustion on surfaces which suddenly decrease ln area, giving rise to tions in the pressure or be'injur-ious and which would render it impossible to calculate the propulsive effect of the charge. It; isalso advisable in many cases to arrange the inner core in such a'manapexes abut againstsudden pulsa. shocks, which would' ner with relation to the vents d that the advancing and uniformly-increasing burning surfaces of the central bore will meet the advancing burning surfaces of said vents along lines or surfaces where the material of the charge will be completely consu med,although in s ome cases it may be desirable to leave a\ portion of the material near the core unconsumed just as the projectile emerges from the mouth of the gun,- the decrease of the acceleration of pressure at this'moment being of advantage.

As shown in Figs. l and Z5, the transverse vents CZ are preferably made fiar/ing from the middle port-ions d outward, their diameters being greatest at their orifices cl2. This arrangement is for the purpose of avoiding any possible stowing up or accumulation of gases .of combustion as they'are generated inthe vents and of facilitating a .perfect escape and circulation of these gases and avoiding fracture of the charge. This form of the vents is desirable in some cases,governed by the particular nature of the explosive cmployed, the particular construction of the charge, and the gun and projectile employed. In other cases, however, this particular form of vents ol may be dispensed with.

To eect the uniformly-progressing combustion to the point of complete consumption, many arrangements of the size and configuration and location of the vents d and varions parts of the charge may be adopted, governed in great measure by the material and disposition of the material employed; but preferably I make the shape in cross-section of the vents d and the contour of the walls of the central bore b and of the outer periphery of the radial arms or ribs C as follows, particular reference being had to Figs. 2 and 4:

The vents or perforations d are of equal regular hexagonal cross-section throughout, and one or a number of substantially parallei vertical rows of such perforations are pro* vided. In the present instance there v are three substantially parallel vertical rows of such perforations. 'lhese perforations areso arranged that the axis of each perforation of one row lies substantially on a horizontal plane midway between the perforar-ions of the adjacent row or rows. Moreover, the sides of each hexagonal perforation are all substaptially parallel to the adjacent sides of the adjacent perforations. Thus, for example, taking the hexagonal perforations l, 2", 3, and 4d in Fig. 2, it will 'beIv observed that tldie sides ll2 and 'la of the inner perforation l sides 2L" ,and 3d `of the perforations 2 and 3, respectively, also that the'sides 2' and 3"? of lthe perforations 2 and 3 are parallel to each other, whiletheir distance is equal to the distance between the sides l2and 2d', or between the sides 1"3 and 3d', and also thatthe sides 2*i4 and 3M are parallel to and. equidistant from'thesides 4**2 and 4**3, respectively, of the perfora-| IOO are parallel to and eqnidistant from the lwill meet on planes or surfaces midway between the axes of the hexagonal vents, asindicated by the zigzag dotted lines D at the left Y of Fig. 2 and the horizontal full lines Ain said figure. It is also desirable that the burning proceeds progressively from the center of the charge outward, so as to meet the advancing surfaces of the charge at a point where the material will all be consumed, and for this purpose I form the central bore b of the charge, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, with a series of annular triangular corrugations b', which are substantially parallel to the respective opposite portions of the hexagonal perforations d. The surface of the bore is therefore made up of a series of annulets, whose surfaces as they burn outward are progressively and uniformly increased until they meet the opposite advancing surfaces of the inner rows of perforatons in the arms C along surfaces indicated by the zigzag dotted line D at the left of Fig. 2. Itis, moreover, advantageous in many cases to so shape the outer peripheries of the radial arms C with triangular corrngations the sides C of which are sub- `ifantially parallel to the sides of the adjacent htfagonal perforations (I and at such a distance therefrom that their burning surfaces will meet the advancing burning surfaces of the correspondingly-hexagonal perforations along surfaces where the material will have been entirely consumed, these surfaces being indicated by the zigzag dotted line D2 at the left of Fig. 2.

The charge shaped and arranged as hereinabove described is preferably manufactured'by building the same up from a number of disks or layers E, each layer being an exact duplicate of the other in size, shape, and proportions, as shown in Fig. 2, excepting for the forward end of the charge, Where the layers are somewhat reduced in size to fit the reduced diameter of the bore of the charge-chamber of the gun. As shown, each vlayer E consists of a substantially star-shaped disk havinga central annular portion, which forms part of the central core B, and the radial arms forming part of the radial arms or ribs C of the completed charge; On one side of each of the radial arms of each disk E are provided a number of semihexagonal recesses or mortises, in the present case two, while on the reverse side of each radial arm is formed a similar semihexagonal mortise midway between the first mortises.

Of course the number of mortiscs may be increased or diminished without departing from the present invention. IIoweVer,`"nnl der all circumstances they are preferably so formed and arranged. that when the layers are assembled the vents d will be arranged as hereinbefore pointed ont. of the disks E is provided with a central per foration, which is to form part of the bore bj" of thel charge, said perforation being annu'-V larly beveled, as shown, to form the triangular corrugations b' of the said bore.l The outer surfaces of the radial arms are similarly beveled, but ina reverse direction, as shown, so as to produce the corrugated contour of the outer periphery of the radial arms or ribs C, above set forth. These disks are preferablyvformed by first cutting out starshaped disks, approximately of the outline shown in Fig. l, from a sheet of any suitable explosive material in a plastic condition,A such as a colloidal nitro compound consisti' ing mainly of gun-cotton or of gun-cotton with other wellknown admixtures, which has been rendered gelatinous and Vplastic by the addition of the propersolvents and kueading or working or in any suitable and well-known manner. The disks thus cut out are then molded or compressed between suitable vdies, so as to assume the completed shape shown for the separate disks E in Figs. l, 2, 3, and 4:. The disks or layers E of explosive material'so formed are assembled so that two adjoining smaller areas e will alternate with two adjoining larger areas e of the layers, as will be evident. By this arrangement the triangular corrugated contour of the central bore b and ,the outer peripheries of the radial arms is produced, and the heX- agonal transverse perforations (Z are completed. The layers E are permanently united into a continuous singlecharge by rst coating their areas e and e with a suitable adhesive or cement, such as collodion or'solvent, which preferably willV not interfere with tle ready combustion of the explosive material. By this means I obtain a charge orunit consisting of explosive material of uninterrupted continuity, whereby the combustion `of the charge and the generation of gases will progress in a regular manner and without any sudden fluctuation. To the baseof the charge is scou red a suit-able priming charge F of any ordinary or suitable quick-burning powder, such as gunpowder, as will be readily understood. As seen in Fig. 3, this pri'ming charge is preferably made of thesame outlines as the layers E. The said priming vcharge F is also secured tothe base layer of the cartridge A by any suitable adhesive, cement, or solvent. This priming charge FV may also be secured to the forward end of the cartridge or charge or to both the base and the forward end, as shown in Fig. 9.

In some cases it will be desirable for convenience of l'oading,"in the case of great gu ns and consequent zheavy` charges, instead of making the charge r cartridge of one piece `to make. it in two, th ee, or more units or sections l, 2, and 3, as indicated in Fig. 7, each .70 The inner core f ing part of the charge.

unit or section being composed of a number of united layers E. Each of the sections l, 2, and 3 will constitute a complete charge alone in those cases where the projectile is to be propelled under reduced pressure, or two of the sections may be employed as a complete charge.

In Fig. 4 I have represented so much of a piece of ordnance of ordinary construction with a charge of explosive material made under my invention in place as is necessary to illustrate the use of said charge. It will be noted from this figure that the charge A practically occupies the entire bore of the chargechamber g of the gun G, its base substantially resting against the mushroom g of the breechblock g2, so that the fuse or primer, which occupies the vent g3 of the breech-block, will impinge against the priming charge F, form- The forwardv part of Ihe charge is somewhat tapering in form, as

. already explained, in order to properly fit into the somewhat-contracted portion g4 of the charge-chamber at the base of the projectile H. Vhen the priming charge F is ignited by the primer, the dames therefrom completely envelop the exterior of the charge bypassing in an unimpeded current forward through the peripheral channels a. 'Ihey also pass forward through the bore b, and finally they penetrate every portion of the mass of the charge by passing through the vents or transverse perforations d. The saine ready vcirculation is permitted for the gases of combustion,` this circulation being further aided by the corrugated perforations of the radial arms C. The gases of combustion are by virtue of the peculiar construction of the charge evolved .with equal rapidity at all points at the bottom as well as at the top and at the forward end as w'ell as at the rear end, and as the burning surfaces are progressively increased the accelerating propulsive force is progressively increased at a substantially uniform rate until the charge has been consumed.

All danger of fractureof the arms is avoided, first, by the fact that each radial arm is supported by two opposite exactly-balancedgas-- pressures exerted by the gases filling the channels a, and, secondly, by the peculiar shape of the vents d. A

In many cases the inner bore b or the outer corrugated periphery of the radial arms, or both, may be dispensed with. The latter construction is illustrated in Figs. and 6, where, it will be noted, the layers E of the charge are represented as composed of solid central cores B, from which radiate the arms or ribs C, as before. In the present instance the transverse perforations d are formed of a series of concentric recesses or mortises of a square cross-section, whose walls are not flaring outwardly, as in the first example. These mortises are in the present instance formed on one side only of each layer E, and Ithe layers are so 'a sembled and united that the mortised side of each layer will be made to iinpinge against the nnmortised or continuous side of the adjoining layer, as indicated in Fig. 6. The outer peripheries of the radial arms are, moreover, not beveled, so that the peripheries of the completed charge will all form part of the same cylinder. This modified form of charge, while perhaps not as effective in many cases as thatfirst described, enables me to secure all the advantages flowing from the exterior open or peripheral channels or passages a in the first place, and, secondly, frdm the transverse vents, which in myjudgment play also an important part in providing for a free and unimpeded circulation of the gases of ignition and combustion and for a uniform and evenly-distributed progress of the combustion, thus avoiding any danger of sudden increases in pressure or fracture, which might result in the absence of these features. In some eases even the transverse vents cl might be omitted, although I consider them important to obtain the best effects.

The outer surfaces of the arms may in ICO be noted, extend in the general direction of the longer axis of the unit, and hence may be said to be substantially longitudinal. It will be noted, moreover, that said flame-passages are open to the exterior of the unit, so that .the pressure developed by their respective burning surfaces may be distributed ontwardly as well as through the charge mass. The transverse vents d may be in any suitable or convenient form, such as shown.

The above are some of the niany'modifications which may be devised undcrrmyinvention, and it will be readily noted from the above description that a charge or cartridge embodying my said invention is susceptible of many modifications Without departing from :the gist of/the same.

lroadly considered and under one aspect of the invention the same consists in a charge of explosive material composed of a number of. united layers of explosive material and under another aspect in a charge or cartridge having exterior or peripheral Haine-passages and also in au explosive charge or cartridge having such exterior llame-passages in colubination with transverse perforatious or vents passing through the mass of the charge, the above features all being preferably combined IXO to produce the best results. It is to be noted, moreover, that each unitI or charge of explosive material made in accordance with my invention is continuousthat is to say,"the continuity of the explosive material is u'ninterrnpted-so that there is no danger of sudden fluctuation inthe pressure of the gases developed. This continuity, as will be understood from the preceding specification, may be obtained either by making the unit or charge in layers or parts secured into one continuous lmass by an adhesive material which will not interrupt the progress of the combustion or by making said unit or charge integralwthat is to say, by forming it of one piece direct from the plastic material. I do not, therefore, desire to be confined to the specific details described; but

What I claim, and desireto secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is-` l. A mass or unit of explosive material of uninterrupted continuity in the form of a rod or bar, having acentral flame-passage and a plurality of exterior flame-passages, said exterior llamepassages heilig in communication with each other at a pl urali'ty of points.

2. Acharge of explosive material consisting of a longitudinal inner core and a series of arms or ribs extending outward vfrom the' same, open Haine-passages being left between said arms and said arms being provided with transverse passages or vents. e

3. A disk of explosive material for a pro pelling charge consisting of a central core having a central perforation and provided with radiating arms provided with recesses on their upper, and lower' surfaces, the recesses on the lower surface alternating with those on the upper surface.

4. A disk of explosive material for a propelling charge consisting of a central core having a beveled central perforation and provided with radial arms whose peri pheries are beveled Aoppositely to the central perforation, said armsv being provided on their upward surfaces with semihexagonal recesses vand with similar recesses on their lower surfaces occupying positions intermediate between the recesses on the upper surfaces.

5. A charge of explosive material composed vents flaring outwardly from their middle.

portions.

'7. A charge of explosive material composed of a united series of superimposed layers of said material and consisting of an inner core having a longitudinal bore andV radial arms extending from said core, said arms being provided with a series of transverse perfora- `of a united series of superimposed layers of tions aring outwardly from their middle portion.

of a united series of superimposed layersand 8. A charge of explosive material composed i consisting of a central core having a central bore and radial arms extending lfrom lsaid core, said radialv arms being provided with hexagonal transverse perforations at the planes of union of the layers arranged at subl stantially equal distances from each other.

9. A charge of explosive material composed of a united series of superimposed layers and consisting of a central core having a central `bore and radial arms 'extending from Said core, said radial arms being provided with hexagonal transverse perforat-ions at the planes of union of the layers arranged at substantially equal distances from each other,

the walls of the centralv b ore and outer-periphery of the radial arms being triangularly corrugated so as to be substantially parallel to the sides of the hexagonal perforation.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses. v

` LOUIS GATHMANN. Witnesses:

M. o. MAs'sIE, F. I-I. ScHo'r'r.

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