Enhanced compressible fluids investigation

This report describes a continuing investigation of compressible fluids for use in artillery recoil mechanisms. (See Contractor Report ARLCD-CR-81034 for results of the previous investigation.) Several candidate fluids, those exhibiting higher compressibility than Dow Corning DC-200, were examined more thoroughly. Tradeoff analyses were performed and an optimum fluid is recommended. Fluid, recoil mechanism, seal compatibility, and the effects of solubilized gases were investigated. The possibility of using microballoons in a recoil fluid was examined. Results indicate that perfluorinated ether provides improved compressibility but has drawbacks such as lower viscosity and a lower boiling point.