Multivariate analysis applied to a test procedure for determining gun propelling charge weight Part II. Partial least squares analysis

The aim of this study was to find out why several 155 mm gun propelling charge lots produced according to the conventional test procedure for determining gun propelling charge weight had failed to meet the acceptance requirements. Multivariate analysis was applied as an alternative approach to the conventional analysis method to a data set consisting of results connected to 68 test firing occasions. In this paper the results of partial least squares (PLS) modeling applied to the data set are reported. Based on this study the main defects in the conventional analysis method could be identified, the propelling charge lots with safety risks could be traced and the consequences of the change in the procedure parameter could be evaluated.