Analysis of the Ballistic Performance of a Balanced Gun With a New Type of Main and Auxiliary Chambers

Increasing the initial velocity of large-caliber, high-mass projectiles remains a persistent challenge in military weapon design. To address this, we developed a novel main–auxiliary chamber configuration based on the balanced gun concept. An internal ballistic model incorporating this dual-chamber structure was established to evaluate its ballistic performance. By comparing the internal ballistic characteristics of the proposed design with those of a conventional balanced gun, we analyzed its acceleration capabilities. Additionally, we examined the effects of ignition delay time, auxiliary chamber charge mass, and shell mass on the internal ballistic behavior of the new structure. The results demonstrate that the dual-chamber balanced gun can significantly enhance the projectile's initial velocity without exceeding the maximum allowable chamber pressure. Specifically, within a suitable range of ignition delay times, reducing the delay leads to increases in both the projectile's initial velocity and the peak pressure in the auxiliary chamber. Furthermore, as long as the maximum pressure in the auxiliary chamber remains within safe limits, increasing the propellant charge improves projectile acceleration. Lastly, provided the structural integrity of the shell is maintained, reducing the shell mass of the auxiliary chamber further enhances the initial velocity. These findings offer valuable insights for both the theoretical study and engineering design of large-caliber balanced guns aimed at achieving higher muzzle velocities.