Erosion resistance evaluation of potential gun barrel coatings

Dover, New Jersey: Large caliber weapon systems laboratory. 1983.The erosion resistance of tungsten/carbon and tantalum/tungsten deposited on AISI 4340 steel and molybdenum substrate were investigated. Erosion data acquired with the ARRADCOM test device indicated poor adhesion between each refractory metal coating and 4340 steel. Mechanical failure of the molybdenum substrate complicated the erosion data, but it was concluded that the tungsten/carbon coating performed better than steel at higher pressures. No apparent advantage was observed with the tantalum/tungsten coating at any pressure. Microscopic examination of the coatings showed extensive gas erosion of the surface of the tantalum/tungsten coating, but very little erosion in the tungsten/carbon surface.