2 December 2025 14h00-14h30
Bogdan Stirbu (ABAL)
Barrel erosion is a critical factor influencing firearm performance, reliability, and service life. This study investigates erosion phenomena in 5.56×45 mm caliber barrels under both laboratory-controlled and operational wear replication conditions. Two barrel types—a Ballistic Interchangeable Manometric Cannon (BIMC) and an FN SCAR barrel—were examined using Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) scanning and steel pin gauges to quantify material loss and dimensional changes. CMM scanning enabled micron-level precision for detailed geometric characterization, while pin gauges provided rapid, field-deployable assessments. Results revealed that the forcing cone region experiences the highest erosion rates due to combined thermo-chemical and mechanical stresses. Laboratory tests successfully reproduced the wear progression observed under operational conditions, confirming their predictive validity, although environmental variables introduced minor deviations. The comparative analysis highlights that while CMM offers superior precision, pin gauges remain effective for expedient monitoring. The findings support the refinement of predictive maintenance models, emphasizing the integration of high-resolution metrology, computational modeling, and real-time monitoring to enhance barrel wear prediction and extend weapon lifespan.
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