Muzzle Devices for Reshaping Gun Blast Fields: An Experimental Parameter Study

Muzzle devices intended for use on large guns and artillery were investigated experimentally at reduced scale 40 mm. These muzzle devices reduce gun muzzle blast overpressure behind and to the side of the gun muzzle, at the expense of increased overpressure in front of the muzzle near the line of fire and increased recoil impulse. Detailed data are presented for blast field and recoil parameters for several device shapes. Overpressure reductions behind the muzzle exceeded 50 percent, with increases in recoil impulse ranging up to 10 percent. The results are applicable to a wide variety of gun sizes and types. Author