CASAS can be used to evaluate Breech Bolt loading. Spring 1 in the model captures the load transferred from the bolt to ground which is the load that must be reacted by the breech lock. A plot of the spring 1 load vs. time is shown below.

One factor that can have a significant effect on breech load is the friction coefficient between the case and chamber. Occasionally ammunition may pick up lubricants from the storage or operational environment. To simulate this effect, let's evaluate the effect of a 50% reduction of both the static and dynamic friction coefficients. Once again I have opened a cross plot window with the spring data from the baseline case to facilitate comparison. Now let's run the analysis with the scale factors applied and add the new results to the cross plot. Our results are displayed below.

The peak bolt load increased from 3341lbf to 4158lbf or 24% in response to a 50% reduction in friction. These simple examples are intended to demonstrate the ease with which sensitivity analyses can be performed with PRODAS and CASAS. There is much more to do to fully evaluate a design and each user must apply sound engineering judgment to his/her specific problem.

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