Gunner98 -> RE: Tanks and muzzle brakes (9/18/2015 10:22:07 AM)
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Muzzle breaks are part of a recoil system, they assist in countering the rearward momentum of the gun as the projectile heads toward the enemy. Newton's 3rd law kicks in and the higher the velocity of the bullet, the more effective the recoil system needs to be. As engineering and innovation evolved the hydro-pneumatic systems which form the bulk of recoil systems became more efficient. The main disadvantage of the muzzle break is weight and balance, as ballistic computers improved, gyro stabilizers introduced and the predictable accuracy of the tank gun became more important, designers don't really want this heavy bit of steel bouncing around at the end of a 5 meter gun-barrel. Another disadvantage of a Muzzle break is flash and smoke, the break disperses this into a large area making detection easier. Also the design of the projectiles has improved and some tank guns will fire ATGMs, the break is not needed with an ATGM and newer projectiles use force and Newton slightly differently. You will still see Muzzle breaks remaining on artillery pieces where the barrel can be locked for travel and it is advantageous to disperse the smoke & flash sideways and backwards. Tanks however have moved beyond them. B
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