The objective of this study is to determine theoretically, the dimensions of a composite gun tube consisting of a steel liner and a composite jacket made of steel filaments embedded into an epoxy matrix when subjected to an internal pressure. The economic success of these tubes when compared with conventional tubes is investigated. The dimensions of the composite tube are optimized for minimum weight with the restriction that the applied stresses in both liner and jacket does not exceed stress levels determined by a yielding criterion. The economic success is obtained by considering the various factors which determine the tube's cost and the relationship between the tube's weight, performance, and cost. (Author, modified-PL).

The dimensions of a composite gun tube consisting of a cylindrical liner and a cylindrical jacket of dissimilar materials necessary to endure given internal pressures are determined theoretically. The dimensions are optimized with respect to effective cost which is defined in terms of both material cost and cost per pound of weight to the external system (penalty factor) within constraints imposed on the stress levels reached in liner and jacket through a yielding cri-terion. Results are presented for a steel liner/glass/epoxy jacket composite tube for a variety of costs per pound to the external system. Comparisons are made with respect to minimum weight design and conven-tional tube designs. (Author-PL).

The bibliography contains over 3000 references, including translated items from Japan, West Germany, U.S.S.R., and other countries as well as references of original English language publications of the United States and United Kingdom. The references are categorized by specific fiber and matrix materials. In addition, many references are grouped in the general categories of compatibility studies, theory and design, testing and evaluation, application, and fabrication. A group of references to general review articles is included. The references represent the holdings of the former Defense Ceramic Information Center (DCIC) plus those of the Fibers and Composites Center (FCIC) at Battelle's Columbus Laboratories and MCIC. (Author).