Computer Aided Design and Heat Transfer Analysis of Handguard of a Gun

The study presents thermal analysis of the handguard of a gun using finite elements as well as finite differences. The thermal loading corresponds to continuous firing of 300 rounds for 600s follwed by an inactive period of 300s. The maximum barrel temperature recorded was around 300 degree celsius. Three different handguard materials namely Ryton-4 PEEK-450G and PEI were tested. The effectiveness of a reflector shield located between the barrel and the handguard was studied. Two major results that emerged from the study are:(1)Ryton-4 gives the lowest temperature rise among the three materials studied and (ii)The reflector shield is crucial for maintaining the handguard temperature within limits. Spatial and temporal variation of temperature are qualitatively similar in the two numerical models. Owing to certain factors the finite element predictions for the handguard are on the higher side compared to finite differences. The maximum handguard temperatures as determined in the present model including the reflector are summarized in the Table 1. It is clear that the Ryton-4 as the handguard material can be considered as most desirable