This study uses a nonlinear transient finite element method (FEM) to simulate the mechanism and structural behavior of a 5.56 mm rifle’s multi-body power transmission system after being fired. Specifically, this study uses the Vallier-Heydenreich formula to calculate the chamber pressure, and uses the result as the input loading for the FEM model. The analysis in this study considers elastic deformation, joint clearance, and impact effects. The proposed simulation is capable of simultaneously obtaining the kinematic status, transient stresses, and strain history of a rifle. The results of shooting experiments verified the accuracy of the numerical model. The difference in the bolt carrier’s operation cycle between experimental and numerical data was only 1.9%, indicating that this simulation method is credible.
Computer-aided analysis of rigid-body mechanisms is combined with the finite element analysis of flexible structures to develop a computer model and derive the equation of motion, incorporating the Lagrange multiplier, to be used in the dynamic analysis of multi-rigid-body mechanisms mounted on flexible support structures. The resulting equations are solved by numerical integration. Predicting and analyzing the performance of the full system, including the motion of the system components and the forcing condition, during the engineering design process will promote the success of the entire system. Finally, a machine gun system with a flexible mount is given as a numerical example. The results reveal that the interaction between the rigid-body mechanisms and its flexible support structures importantly determines the performance of whole system. This study considers only the planar case. Our future work will propose a more complicated fully three-dimensional model.
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