Auger electron spectroscopic study of gun tube erosion and corrosion

Abstract Three eroded gun surfaces have been examined with the surface analytical technique of Auger electron spectroscopy. The bore surfaces are severely corroded and etched by oxidation and carburization and to lesser extents by nitridation and surfurization. The elements S, K, C, Ca, N, O and Zn have been identified to be associated with the observed erosion phenomena. From depth profile analyses of these elements, some erosion characteristics of gun tubes have been found.