ENSTA Bretagne : travaux de recherche mené sur le campus en pyrotechnie et propulsion
Julien Ogor

Marion, a PhD student in pyrotechnic systems at ENSTA Bretagne / IRDL

14 December 2023
What happens in a cannon when the projectile is fired?
The moment when physical phenomena, such as temperature, pressure and speed, spiral into a frenzy!
Marion
Class of 2020
PhD student in pyrotechnic systems

The aim of Marion’s thesis is to understand each of these phenomena and how they interact, with a particular focus on 40mm telescoped ammunition. Used by the French and British armed forces, this is a new type of ammunition in which the projectile is enveloped by the propellant instead of next to it. As a result, the ammunition is half the size, making it easier to handle, store and transport, all while offering improved performance.

During her PhD, Marion was able to set up tests that allowed her to take numerous measurements to better decipher these complex phenomena. The ultimate challenge is to develop a life cycle for internal ballistics that can be used for ammunition of different calibers.

A graduate of ENSTA Bretagne, Marion discovered the world of research during her end-of-study internship. When given the opportunity to write a thesis, she didn’t hesitate to seize it. Today, she enjoys all the enhanced skills this thesis has given her and the practical aspect of her work that is directly related to industry.