SSS.8.1.29 - Multi-Cartridge Silencer Hazards - T&K Vorix 30 Ti Silencer Hazard Map Brief
/T&K Vorix 30 Ti on .308 and 300 BLK subsonic Bolt-Action - Hazard Maps
This Silencer Hazard Map Brief documents the free field blast overpressure hazards from the T&K Vorix 30 Ti rifle silencer fielded on the following weapon systems:
20-in barrel .308 bolt-action rifle firing M80 149gr 7.62 NATO ammunition.
8-in barrel 300 BLK bolt-action rifle firing Discreet Ballistics 190gr subsonic ammunition.
Both above cases are evaluated in technical Report 6.232 and the results tabulated in record numbers 7.1.268 and 7.1.269 in the Rankings, respectively.
The average Suppression Rating hazard contours at 1.6 m silencer end cap elevation from the instrumented blast tests of the T&K Vorix 30 Ti silencer computed with the PEW-SOFT HD Blast Hazard Prediction Tool are shown in Figures 1 and 2. The Suppression Rating hazard scale is shown in Figure 3. Ground-truth anchored Suppression Ratings from the technical report are annotated 1.0 m left of the end cap (SR_muzzle) and 6 inches right of the shooter’s right ear (SR_ear). Computational parameters and blast overpressure hazard field observations are provided below.
8.1.29.1 PEW-SOFT HD Computational Model Parameters
PEW-SOFT HD code Version 2.2.7 Alpha was used.
Contour elevations are 1.6 m above grade. No reflecting surfaces, other than the ground, are present in the models.
Grid resolutions are 0.076 m (3 in).
The average bolt-action jet stability index sigma_b of the silencer on the .308 rifle is 0.39, while the index on the 300 BLK rifle is 0.80.
8.1.29.2 T&K Vorix 30 Ti Suppression Hazard Map Observations:
The T&K Vorix 30 Ti is a relatively conventionally designed silencer intended for use on bolt-action rifles. As such, it possesses relatively high back pressure (low flow rate) and controls blast overpressure propagation well with both high pressure, long duration combustion input (.308) and low pressure, short duration combustion input (subsonic 300 BLK).
The forward hazard field on the .308 bolt action (Fig. 1) is relatively hazardous compared with that near the operator. This forward field-biased hazard is somewhat typical for this type of suppressed host weapon, though some limited volumetric expansion does play a role.
When changing the combustion parameters, the 300 BLK hazard field (Fig. 2) displays markedly reduced personnel risk. Note the field is not only less severe, but it is more balanced, in that limited high hazard zone are present in the far field, regardless of standoff.
Blast load propagation from the silencer is relatively controlled, even during first-round-pop (FRP). Shots subsequent to FRP generally produce consistent hazards with this silencer on these weapon systems.
fig 1. T&K Vorix 30 Ti 20-in barrel .308 Bolt-Action Free Field Hazard Map Produced by PEW-SOFT HD Blast Hazard Prediction Tool using PEW Science Test Data
fig 2. T&K Vorix 30 Ti 8-in barrel subsonic 300 BLK Bolt-Action Free Field Hazard Map Produced by PEW-SOFT HD Blast Hazard Prediction Tool using PEW Science Test Data
Fig 3. PEW Science Suppression Rating Scale
