Grey matrix application in the optimal design of rifle muzzle noise reducer

The Taguchi method and grey system theory are used to find the optimal design for a rifle muzzle noise reducer. According to the existing research results and after interviews with domain experts, the critical design factors which influence the reducer´s performance are found to be: (1) the existence of a front cover, (2) the diameter of the outside exhaust hole and the location of the exhaust hole on the extension tube, (4) the diameter of the outside tube, and (5) the length of the outside tube. Using these five factors and their different levels, the L₁₈(2¹*3⁷) orthogonal array was chosen for our combination of experiments. Based on the raw data obtained from test firings, both SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) analysis and grey matrix analysis are presented to conduct verification studies. This methodology is used to confirm the stability of the optimal combination. The results of the verification study give more confidence for the optimal reducer´s parameters to achieve the optimal quality. The results of our study show that the significant factors for reducing the muzzle noise, under α = 0.05, are the diameter of the outside exhaust hole and the location of the exhaust hole on the extension tube. Using a reducer with a combination designed by the Taguchi method, the muzzle noise can be reduced by 18.45%