Material Selection for Machine Gun Barrel

3D model of an M2 Browning machine gun.

In my ME 438 Introduction to Physical Metallurgy class, a group research project was assigned to put our knowledge in metallurgy to the test. Every group was allowed to pick a research of their choice from selected topics provided by the professor. My group, consisting of my friends Ion Iuga, Zeeshan Serwer, Robert Hondor, and I, selected to research the material selection for a machine gun barrel.

Problem

From the criteria's our professor provided, our group needed to research the topic's history, design, specifications, microstructure, manufacturing processes, the material/s selected, and the conclusion on why we chose said material/s. In addition, the research required having a calculations to support our specifications and prove why our material selection is perfectly sound. Moreover, our professor prefers to see a 3D CAD model of our topic and simulations if possible.

Solution

Our first course of action was to determine what defines a machine gun and how it differentiates from other automatic weapons, such as an assault rifle or submachine gun. Afterwards, we decided what specific machine gun to research on. Ultimately, the M2 Browning heavy machine gun was chosen because of its wide recognition and extensive service history.

From our chosen machine gun and the ammunition it uses, we were able to proceed with the designs and specifications. We obtained a CAD model of the M2 Browning from an online source. The specification primarily revolved around whether the material can withstand the pressure of the ammunition when it is fired. Additional specifications include: good machinability, strength, toughness, heat, corrosion, wear, and shock resistance.

We then researched the manufacturing process of the machine gun. By researching the temperature the material is heated at and the heat treatment techniques used we were able to narrow down our candidate materials and its microstructure.

Results