You are here:
Development of Methodologies for Evaluating Breech and Muzzle Emissions from M4 Carbine Firings
Citation:
Aurell, J., A. Holder, B. Gullett, AND K. McNesby. Development of Methodologies for Evaluating Breech and Muzzle Emissions from M4 Carbine Firings. SERDP-ESTCP Symposium 2019, Washington, DC, December 03 - 05, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
This poster describes development of methods to assess near-source exposure to gases and particles. The work involved combining environmental sampling methods to sample and characterize emissions from gun firing for exposure assessments. These findings may have long term implications for warfighter and sportspersons exposure as well as advancing the science of field exposure characterization. This work has immediate interest for the Department of Defense as well as interest in other non-defense applications of personnel exposure assessments.
Description:
This work developed methods to analyze muzzle and breech emissions produced by the M4 carbine firing variants of M855 ammunition to assess potential warfighter exposure and range contamination. We hypothesized that interior ballistic efficiency (how well the propellant burns) determines the character of the metal particles and carbon monoxide / hydrogen cyanide gas measured at the weapon muzzle and breech. Emissions were quantified for Legacy (Vietnam-era), M855 (Standard, Unsalted), and M855 (Salted) ammunition as well as an M855 with a plastic slug to discern the ability of sampling and instrumental methods to distinguish between ammunition types and to determine the source of metal emission (casing, bullet, barrel). Particle size measurements and gas concentration profiles were monitored as part of an effort to develop predictive thermokinetic models and eventual exposure risk analyses.