Abstract

The article is devoted to the issues of analyzing existing methods and searching for the most optimal method for diagnosing the condition of metallic objects of complex curvilinear shape, taking into account their operating conditions. The article considers technical and operational aspects of condition monitoring of metallic objects of complex shape, such as artillery barrels, under conditions of intensive use during combat operations. The main factors affecting mechanical wear and material degradation of artillery barrels are analyzed, in particular thermal, erosive, and corrosive processes, as well as the influence of cyclic stresses and high pressures of high-temperature gases during firing. Methods of non-destructive testing are examined in detail, including radio-wave, magnetic, radiation, and ultrasonic methods for thickness measurement and defect detection. The advantages and disadvantages of the described methods, as well as the possibilities of their application under production conditions and during military operations, are presented. The expediency of applying the ultrasonic method for diagnosing defects of artillery barrels, such as wear, ovality, bulging, and fatigue cracks, is substantiated, which will increase the reliability, accuracy, and safety of operation of artillery systems.

The practical value of the work lies in the development of recommendations for improving technical diagnostic systems. The implementation of the proposed approaches will allow not only to increase the accuracy of assessing the service life of artillery systems, but also to significantly minimize the risks of emergency failure of weapons, thereby increasing crew safety and the effectiveness of combat task execution. The research results can be integrated into maintenance regulations and modernization of modern wear monitoring tools in both field and stationary conditions.

Keywords: measurement, defect, inspection methodology, non-destructive testing, artillery system barrels, ultrasonic method.

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The article was submitted 20.12.2025
© Rybitskyi, I.V., Voitenko, S.S., Karpash, O.M., Zapeka, V.I., Nikul, S.O., 2025
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)