Physics & Astronomy ETDs

Publication Date

5-1-1973

Abstract

In the past, experimenters have used Sheet Loaded Explosive (SLE) to simulate the damage caused by x-rays to an ICBM as the result of a nuclear burst from an ABM. One of the attractive features of SLE is that it can also provide high impul3e levels for structural damage studies. Previous measurements of the usual shock parameters such as peak overpressure, ietonation velocity, and shock front definition with short time interval pressure transducers were not suitable for total impulse measurements. The High Explosive Impulse Responder (HEIR) was developed to fill the need for a simple, reliable and economical total impulse calibrator for tests in which time discrimination of overpressures is not needed. HEIR provides useful results immediately. This paper describes the problems of impulse calibration, the development of HEIR, and useful results obtained from dynamic calibration of duPont DETASHEET type C explosive. A specific impulse value of 787 ± 72 taps per mil equivalent to an Impulse Constant of 3.1 + 0.28 x105 dyne-sec/cm3 was determined. This agreed within one standard deviation with 721 taps/mil reported by Picatinny Arsenal> Disagreement with the value of 650 taps per mil as determined by H.E. Lindberg, et al, is considered to be due to the total intergrating effect of HEIR and the use of larger SLE thicknesses in this later effort.

Degree Name

Physics

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Physics & Astronomy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christopher P. Leavitt

Second Committee Member

Rodney S. Thurston

Third Committee Member

Christopher Dean

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Download

Share

COinS