Navies of the world : $b giving concise descriptions of the plans, armament and armor of the naval vessels of twenty of the principal nations.Very, Edward W. (Edward Wilson)
History
Navies of the world : $b giving concise descriptions of the plans, armament and armor of the naval vessels of twenty of the principal nations.
These projectiles are differently mounted for the different models.
For the model 1870 the mounting consists of a forward ring of zinc or
cast-iron just back of the shoulder of the shell, slightly smaller than
the diameter of the bore across the lands. Its object is simply to keep
the forward end of the projectile centred. A rear ring of copper, of
a diameter slightly greater than that of the bore across the grooves.
This ring brings up in its seat in the shot-chamber, and on firing the
bands are scored and rotate the projectile. Around the surface of this
ring are two or three grooves, cut to receive the metal displaced by
the lands on firing. These projectiles carry at their base a light wire
grommet to facilitate handling them.
For the model 1864-67 the projectiles are provided with studs, there
being two rows. The forward studs take in the grooves and give the
twist to the projectile; the rear ones hold the base of the projectile
centred, and according to the calibre of the piece they travel in the
grooves or on the lands. For the heavy projectiles, where the rear
studs travel on the lands, there are provided three small intermediate
studs which bring up in false grooves provided for the purpose, keeping
the projectile from going too far forward in the bore when loading.
These studs are sheared off on firing. The studs are made either of
zinc or bronze. Projectiles for the bronze muzzle-loaders are similar
to the model 1864.
Case-shot are of the ordinary type, and have neither studs nor belts.
Sea-weed wads are used with all projectiles except those of the model
1870. These are used in order that the powder-charge may act with a
more gradual effect on the projectile at the start. Placed between the
charge and the projectile, their rapid compression gives room for the
powder to expand and burn more slowly at the first instant.
FUSES.
Percussion fuses are used in all shell except the 25-pdr. and 8-pdr.
boat-guns, which use time-fuses.
The percussion fuse consists of a hollow cylindrical bronze body having
a solid conical head. At the bottom of the cylinder is screwed a copper
firing-pin. The centre of the cylinder is occupied by a brass plunger
carrying a charge of hunting powder. The forward end of this plunger
carries a wooden plug which is hollow and filled with detonating
composition. The plunger is held in position by two iron pins upon
which the base rests, and two leaden stops through the wall of the fuse
entering the shell of the plunger. These stops are not broken by the
start of the projectile, but by its shock on striking an object. The
bottom of the fuse, being covered by shellac-paper, is blown away by
the charge of powder in the plunger, and the flame is communicated to
the charge.
[Illustration: Percussion Fuse.]
[Illustration: Time-Fuse.]
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