Abstract: An improved hybrid composite projectile barrel comprising an inner liner and an outer composite matrix, the inner liner having a breech transition region and a muzzle transition region. The breech transition region and the muzzle transition region each comprises locking features that secure the outer composite matrix to the inner liner at the transition regions. In a first embodiment, the locking features are a series of longitudinally extending ribs with notches. In a second embodiment, the locking features are a plurality of pins disposed around the circumference of the breech and muzzle transition regions. In a third embodiment, the ridges and pins are combined such that a pin extends from the top of each ridge. In each embodiment with pins, the height of the pins is preferably adjusted so that the top ends of the pins form a line that is parallel with the outer diameter of the inner liner.

Abstract: A composite multi-lobe barrel is disclosed for directing the path of a dischargeable projectile. The multi-lobe barrel incorporates a plurality of longitudinal stiffening rods into a composite overwrap around an inner liner to enhance axial stiffness. The barrel is comprised of an inner liner defining an axial bore; a plurality of polymer matrix composite (PMC) stiffening rods equidistantly disposed around the inner liner and a PMC outer shell enclosing the stiffening rods. In one embodiment, a PMC inner wrap surrounds and is in direct contact with the inner liner, with the stiffening rods arranged equidistantly around the inner wrap, with this structure enclosed by a PMC outer shell.

Abstract: A composite barrel assembly for a gun, such as a muzzle-loading mortar for fin-stabilized projectiles. The composite construction of the barrel has a plurality of generally concentric layers built-up around a rigid supporting liner which may be fabricated from any of several metal or ceramic compositions. An inner thermal barrier coating of inorganic glass, metal refractory alloy, chromium alloy, functionally graded material or ceramic is disposed within the liner. An overwrap layer of continuous fibers embedded in a matrix surrounds the liner. The matrix is either a resin, polymer, ceramic, glass or metal. An outer shell of continuous fibers embedded in a high temperature polymer matrix surrounds the overwrap. When the liner is made from a metal-based composition, an outer thermal barrier coating may be applied in between the liner and the overwrap.

Abstract: A composite multi-lobe barrel is disclosed for directing the path of a dischargeable projectile. The multi-lobe barrel incorporates a plurality of longitudinal stiffening rods into a composite overwrap around an inner liner to enhance axial stiffness. The barrel is comprised of an inner liner defining an axial bore; a plurality of polymer matrix composite (PMC) stiffening rods equidistantly disposed around the inner liner and a PMC outer shell enclosing the stiffening rods. In one embodiment, a PMC inner wrap surrounds and is in direct contact with the inner liner, with the stiffening rods arranged equidistantly around the inner wrap, with this structure enclosed by a PMC outer shell.

Abstract: A composite barrel assembly for a gun, such as a muzzle-loading mortar for fin-stabilized projectiles. The composite construction of the barrel has a plurality of generally concentric layers built-up around a rigid supporting liner which may be fabricated from any of several metal or ceramic compositions. An inner thermal barrier coating of inorganic glass, metal refractory alloy, chromium alloy, functionally graded material or ceramic is disposed within the liner. An overwrap layer of continuous fibers embedded in a matrix surrounds the liner. The matrix is either a resin, polymer, ceramic, glass or metal. An outer shell of continuous fibers embedded in a high temperature polymer matrix surrounds the overwrap. When the liner is made from a metal-based composition, an outer thermal barrier coating may be applied in between the liner and the overwrap.