Abstract: A weapon barrel has a barrel core composed of iron or nickel alloy and at least one barrel jacket made from a metal-matrix material encasing the barrel core. The jacket and core thereby form a metal-metal-matrix composite barrel. The metal-matrix material may have a specific tensile strength that is greater than or equal to 80 N·m/g, and greater than or equal to the specific tensile strength of the barrels core material. The metal matrix material may include aluminum, titanium, beryllium and magnesium alloys, and composites, in addition to a filler material such as carbon nanotubes, graphite, diamond, carbides, and nitrides.

Abstract: A weapon barrel has a barrel core composed of iron or nickel alloy and at least one barrel jacket made from a metal-matrix material encasing the barrel core. The jacket and core thereby form a metal-metal-matrix composite barrel. The metal-matrix material may have a specific tensile strength that is greater than or equal to 80 N·m/g, and greater than or equal to the specific tensile strength of the barrels core material. The metal matrix material may include aluminum, titanium, beryllium and magnesium alloys, and composites, in addition to a filler material such as carbon nanotubes, graphite, diamond, carbides, and nitrides.

Abstract: Weapon barrels are disclosed which offer improved thermal performance and rigidity with no, minimal or negative weight increase. In general the barrel comprises a barrel core surrounded by a lightweight, thermally conductive sleeve made from metal-matrix composite (MMC) materials, also referred to as metal-matrix material. The increased diameter of the sleeve improves the barrel's stiffness and the sleeve's thermal conductivity and distributes the heat more evenly along the barrel. Manufacturing and joining techniques are disclosed as well as materials and material combinations that allow the barrel to perform at high cadence over the whole temperature range the barrel is used. Hot spots may be reduced and more surface area can contribute to heat dissipation. The increased diameter also allows integration of phase changing and/or vibration dampening materials, which further enhance performance.