Delve into the science behind how firearms work, from powder to projectile speed.
This nonfiction classic presents a clear bridge between theory and practice in internal ballistics. It surveys explosive substances, the behavior of fired gunpowder, and the way heat, grain shape, and burning rate influence pressure and velocity.
The book gathers foundational concepts and practical approaches for understanding gun construction and performance. It emphasizes the role of heat, the design of powder grains, and the mathematical relationships that govern muzzle velocity and chamber pressure, including insights drawn from French artillery research of the era.
- Learn how different forms and compositions of gunpowder affect ignition, combustion, and gas production.
- See how grain shape and burning rate influence pressure curves and projectile speed.
- Explore methods for estimating velocity and pressure in a given gun, and for selecting powders to meet specific goals.
- Understand the idea that theory and practice can inform one another in artillery design, not oppose each other.
Ideal for readers of artillery history, engineering students, and professionals seeking a practical grounding in early internal ballistics.