Internal Ballistics

Flashcards for Internal Ballistics Lecture

What is internal ballistics?

The study of firearm processes from trigger pull to projectile exit.

Name three key stages in Internal Ballistics.

Lock time, ignition time, and barrel time.

What is lock time?

The interval between firing activation and primer ignition.

Why is a shorter lock time important?

It minimizes shooter movement influence and improves accuracy.

What is trigger safety?

A mechanism that blocks trigger movement; may not prevent sear failure discharge.

What is sear safety?

A mechanism that blocks trigger sears; failure possible if tampered.

What is grip safety and where is it found?

It requires grip compression and is found in SLPs and SMGs.

What is the function of a firing selection lever?

It controls firing mode and blocks sear engagement in 'safe'.

What does a magazine interlock do?

It prevents discharge without a magazine.

What does the firing pin safety do?

It blocks firing pin movement with a spring-loaded plunger.

Describe safety failure tests

They reveal safety failures with dry-firing and impact tests.

What is ignition time?

The duration from primer activation to projectile movement.

What is barrel time?

The interval from projectile movement to muzzle exit.

What is Boyle's Law?

Relates pressure and volume of a gas. P1V1=P2V2

What are the phases in spring operated Air Weapons?

Lock, compression, and barrel time.

What are the phases in Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) Air Weapons?

Lock, valve operation, and barrel time.

What is handloading?

Manual reloading of cartridges.

What is a risk of excessive pressure when handloading?

Can cause firearm failure.

What is a risk of insufficient pressure when handloading?

Can lodge bullet, causing explosion.