Tweet
Re: Repro Sharps Carbine Problems
Curt, one of the key breakthroughs that made caplocks perform better than flintlocks (as opposed to more reliable) is the way the pressure wave caused by ignition acts to seal the nipple. The internal profile of the nipple tunes this effect.
In the 19th century this design was very much a matter trial and error as the phenomenon was not properly understood until the 20th century, where it is commonly applied in tuned exhausts for two stroke engines and I think pulse jet engines. I confess I'm not sure on the pulse jets, as it was Automotive Engineering not Aeronautical that I studied at Leeds University.
There are two styles of nipple available, one tends to have a flat base and a very small aperture, the other style has a recess in the base that is usually conical or parabolic, giving it an overall profile similar to an hour glass. The latter design tend to have a larger aperture but should not emit any more gas on ignition. It is this design that relies on its shape to tune the pressure wave so as to enhance the sealing effect.
Curt, one of the key breakthroughs that made caplocks perform better than flintlocks (as opposed to more reliable) is the way the pressure wave caused by ignition acts to seal the nipple. The internal profile of the nipple tunes this effect.
In the 19th century this design was very much a matter trial and error as the phenomenon was not properly understood until the 20th century, where it is commonly applied in tuned exhausts for two stroke engines and I think pulse jet engines. I confess I'm not sure on the pulse jets, as it was Automotive Engineering not Aeronautical that I studied at Leeds University.
There are two styles of nipple available, one tends to have a flat base and a very small aperture, the other style has a recess in the base that is usually conical or parabolic, giving it an overall profile similar to an hour glass. The latter design tend to have a larger aperture but should not emit any more gas on ignition. It is this design that relies on its shape to tune the pressure wave so as to enhance the sealing effect.
Comment