See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Military Geology in the 21st Century
Abstract:
This study was conducted to determine the physical and chemical properties of both Iraqi dust and soils, and to analyze how this dust reacts with gun lubricants. Samples collected within Iraq included representative dust sources based on the regional geology and samples collected directly from tactical vehicles. Analytical results indicate that the Iraqi dust contains abundant silt- and clay-sized particles as well as sufficient amounts of carbonates, sulfates, and chlorides; suggesting that there is a strong potential for corrosion, pitting, and related impacts to military equipment. Detailed Laser particle-size distributions of dust in a weapon lubricant matrix indicate a reaction that promotes the flocculation of sand-sized aggregates from silt-rich dust. These results indicate that the deposition of silt-rich dust within confining spaces of weapons and the exposure of this dust to gun lubricants can create sand-size aggregates which may be a principal reason for weapon jams.
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Military Geology in the 21st Century