profiler Window

The Profiler tab is a useful tool for designing gun tubes as it takes the work out of
specifying the dimensions at each point of the barrel. With the profiler, the user
can input the barrel pressure, thickness, autofrettage radii and composite
thickness at each location along the barrel. By using the POI (point of interest
button) located below the graph, the user can examine the stresses and strains
at each location. Scroll below to learn more about how to use this option.

Click on the thumbnail for larger image

Bore remains: Select this button if you wish the bore to remain or become free
from the composite. This essentially mimics a filament winding approach where the
bore is a mandrel and is removed after the winding process.

Total Length: This indicator represents the total length of the barrel and is found
from the table as the maximum location.

No. of Plies: This indicator gives the current number of plies at the POI
(point of interest)

Axial plies thick: This indicator simply shows the number of axial plies in the
laminate.

No. of points: Enter the number of specific points on the barrel. If there is a
change in outer diameter, pressure, composite thickness or autofrettage radii,
the user should have a point marked for that location.

Current Location: Simply indicates the current node the user is close to on
the barrel.  

The Input Table: Use this table to input the location, pressure, steel thickness,
composite thickness and autofrettage radii.  If there is a stepwise jump in
thickness, pressure, composite thickness etc, simply enter the same location
twice and input both thicknesses. The graph on the right will indicate if
the values are correct. A linear interpolation is carried out between each
location, and although a non-linear interpolation involving multiple points
could have been used to be absolutely accurate, you will find that since
there is no limitation on the number of points you can add , you should be
able to make a very good approximation on the profile of your barrel.

Load/Save: The user can load and save a profile using these buttons.
The default suffix for these files is  *.pro.

Magnify: A magnify option was added here so that the user can closely
inspect localized areas for any discrepancies. The dial underneath changes
the amount of magnification.

View Profile/Pressure: The user has the option of switching between
viewing the barrel profile and the pressure profile. 

The Profile Graph: This graph displays either the barrel profile or the
pressure profile. The thin dotted line represents the ID, the solid gray
represents the bore material and the red represents the composite hybrid
material. If autofrettage is used, the autofrettage area will appear as a
white cutout from the steel bore.

POI: (Point of Interest) The user can view the stresses and strains along
the entire length of the barrel by sliding this bar, or inputting the location directly.