Thermal Isolation/Barriers for Small Caliber Weapon Applications

The research conducted under this effort aimed at analyzing thermal barrier concepts intended to reduce visual signature of small caliber weapon systems (barrels, suppressors, etc.) resulting from high rates of firing. Analysis of heat transfer mechanisms and modeling and simulation of thermal barrier concepts were conducted. Basic principles were explored to identify limitations of application conditions and influencing system design parameters. Modeled results representing live fire test cases were in good correlation with both standard M4A1 test data and vacuum barrier results. Barrier effectiveness was shown to decrease with higher heating rates as barrel temperatures increase and radiation exchange between barrel and barrier rises.