A grey-based Taguchi method to optimize design of muzzle flash restraint device

A grey-based Taguchi method is proposed to discover the optimal design of the rifle muzzle flash reducer. According to existing research and following interviews with specific domain experts, the critical design factors which influence the reducer's performance have been ascertained. They are: (1) existence of the front cover, (2) diameter of the outside exhaust hole, (3) location of the exhaust hole on the extension tube, (4) diameter of the outside tube and (5) length of the outside tube. Based on these factors and their different levels, the L-18 (2(1)*3(7)) orthogonal array was chosen for experimental combinations. Analyses of the S/N ratio and grey matrix are presented to conduct verification through the obtained raw data from test firing. The proposed methodology confirms the stability of the optimal combination. Moreover, verification results boost one's confidence that the optimal reducer's parameters can achieve optimal quality. Under alpha = 0.05, the most significant factor for reducing muzzle flash is the existence of the front cover. Using such a reducer, with a combination designed in accordance with the Taguchi method, the muzzle flash with the reducer decreased the pixels from 94322 to 341, a 99.64% improvement. This is an extemely significant amelioration.