INCOMPATIBILITIES OF AMMUNITION PRIMERS AFTER EXPIRATION OF GUARANTEED TECHNICAL LIFE TIME

Abstract

Primers can be found in almost every type of ammunition. Depending on the purpose of a primer, it can be installed in the outer wall of the product (e.g. small arms ammunition) or in its interior (e.g. fuses). Their physicochemical parameters change during the storage process as a result of the natural aging of the materials from which they are made, the impact of environmental factors, as well as various mechanical forces accompanying the process of their exploitation. Due to the role of primers in the operation of ammunition, their technical condition is subject to periodic inspections. They involve subjecting them to diagnostic tests and, based on the results obtained, making a prognostic decision informing about the method and period of their further operation. The article presents significant incompatibilities of primers found during their testing.