| Summary: | The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of the material properties towards the mechanical deformation of the M82 igniter. This deformation causes the non-extraction of the igniter after a shot has been fired, preventing the automatic reloading of the weapon, causing a low rate of fire. A high rate of fire support is a crucial requirement in modern warfare.
Different characteristics of the material namely; microstructure, tensile tests (at quasi static and high strain rates), hardness and lead distribution were investigated.
Igniter components were manufactured from the investigated material, assembled and tested dynamically at Alkantpan in the Eagle weapon. After the proof the igniters were measured, cut in half and the metallurgy and the mechanical properties were investigated.
The final conclusion reached at the end of the study was that the material properties, except for the fact that the Brass CZ124 tends to have a lower UTS at high strain rates, has no contribution to the mechanical deformation of the igniter. The mechanical deformation of the igniter was caused by an interaction between the main charge and the spindle. === Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.
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