Fragment Field Investigation Using Ballistic Pendulum and High-Speed Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for investigating and characterizing fragment fields from explosions, such as those caused by cased munitions, are inadequate for extreme loading environments and lack robustness in measuring fragment properties like size, mass, location, and velocity.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a culvert with a pendulum hung from two pivot points, equipped with a crushable witness panel and high-speed cameras, along with leaf springs to limit pendulum motion, which records fragment impacts and calculates characteristics using high-speed video analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high speed digital video cameras and fragment recovery methods are used to measure fragment characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but the system lacks robustness in extreme loading environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ballistic pendulum as an intermediary device between the explosion and the measurement system. The pendulum absorbs the extreme loading from fragment impacts and converts it into measurable angular displacement, protecting the cameras and electronics from direct exposure to harsh conditions while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of fragment properties with an optical measurement system. High-speed cameras record the pendulum's motion, and computational algorithms derive fragment characteristics from video data, substituting fragile mechanical sensors with robust optical-mechanical hybrid system
2Reliability
If traditional ballistic pendulums are used to measure fragment speed and momentum, then the method is simple and reliable, but measurement precision and capability to capture multiple fragment characteristics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the traditional ballistic pendulum to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously. The modified pendulum system can measure not only momentum and kinetic energy but also fragment mass distribution, velocity vectors, and spatial patterns, making it a universal measurement platform for comprehensive fragment characterization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates high-speed video feedback to continuously monitor and record the pendulum's motion trajectory. This visual feedback loop allows for precise tracking of angular displacement and timing, enabling accurate calculation of fragment impact parameters and improving overall measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If fragment recovery and weighing methods are used to determine fragment mass and kinetic energy, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and lacks real-time capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing all necessary measurement data during the explosion event itself through high-speed video recording of the pendulum motion. All fragment characteristics are recorded in real-time during the impact, eliminating the need for subsequent recovery, handling, and weighing operations that would consume additional time
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise measurement and characterization of fragment mass, location, and velocity in extreme environments, providing a robust and accurate method for analyzing fragment fields from explosions.
Implementation Method 1
a pendulum hung from at least two pivot points in the culvert, the pendulum having a strike face having a plurality of attachment points on which at least one witness panel may be mounted
Implementation Method 2
one or more leaf springs mounted on the back of the pendulum and configured to limit the motion of the pendulum when impacted by fragments resulting from an explosion
Implementation Method 3
at least one high speed camera mounted within the culvert
Implementation Method 4
the witness panel mounted on the pendulum is a crushable type of panel
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for investigating and characterizing a fragment or debris field caused by an explosion, and in particular, explosions resulting from the detonation of a cased munition. Aspects of the disclosure provide methods and devices which can be used to determine and correlate properties such as size/mass, location and velocity of fragments resulting from such a detonation.