Chapter 1166: cannon expert (monthly ticket request at start of month)
As for the design of the projectile shape and molds, Cano would have to recommend some talent to take charge of it.
Joseph had no intention of letting his father touch any other weapon design work before the Steam Forging Machine had been developed.
Early the next morning, when Joseph arrived at the Royal Armory's meeting room, not all the members of the Breech-loading Cannon project team had arrived yet—the design work for the Breech-loading Cannon would be completed here from now on.
Seeing that Cano had already arrived and was sitting by the window studying blueprints, Joseph was about to discuss the Minié Ball with him. However, the director of the Engineering Design Institute looked up first, spotted him, and hurried over excitedly.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince." Cano gave a quick bow, then unfolded the blueprint in his hands. "This is an iron cannon barrel I designed overnight."
Only then did Joseph notice that the director's eyes were bloodshot. Clearly, he had barely slept the night before.
Curious, he asked, "What made you think of casting cannons from iron?"
At present, bronze was the mainstream material for manufacturing cannons.
Bronze possessed excellent toughness, making barrel bursts less likely. Its melting point was also low, making it easy to cast.
Moreover, the most advanced method of cannon production was to cast a rough blank first, then use a boring machine to bore out the barrel. Cannons made this way were sturdier than those cast directly, and their inner barrel walls were smoother as well.
Bronze was relatively soft, making it easier to drill.
Of course, some countries also used iron cannon barrels to reduce costs. However, because iron lacked ductility, the barrel walls had to be thickened to